Shooting

The Shooting team merits praise for a good performance under trying conditions, and commiseration for the disappointment of being told that a recount showed that they had lost the Haslam Shield by two points after they had celebrated a victory. Conditions were certainly trying. When the team arrived at the range the targets were entirely obscured by mint. The suggestion that a bell should be run in front of each target was not upheld, as apparently the rules did not include provision for blind shooting, although subsequent results might have suggested it. Even when the natural obstacle in the form of the mist had cleared away, a further difficulty was found in the very trying light which cast shadows on the targets. The Otago University Rifle Club is fortunate, however, in having, a range so handy and sheltered.

In the actual match the Victoria riflemen shot well, though all of them failed at one or other of the ranges. Johnson and Corkill put on good scores in the application at three hundred yards, while the latter's effort at 600 yards was excellent, especially considering the nerve-racking conditions. That the top score, also a record by the way. Was, made, by Boaden, of Auckland University Club, emphasises the fact that a good team score will usually beat individual brilliance. It was disappointing that the team failed after bring is points in the lead before the 600 yards match, but such misfortunes are just the turns of the game. It would have been very satisfying to have kept the Haslam Shield in the old glass case, but still there is next year with all its possibilities ahead.