The rifleman T H E J O U R N A L O F T H E S O C I E T Y O F M I N I A T U R E R I F L E C L U B S . S M A L L - B O R E S H O O T I N G — A N A T I O N A L R E C R E A T I O N Vo l . X X X V i n . N o . 3 7 9LONDON, SPRING, 1946. Quarterly 6d. Annual Subscnption 2s. 6d. post free f'-.; This is the standard for which we are aiming This I Ox possible was made at 100 yards on 16th June, 1945, by Mr. G. Newsham using I.C.I. 'Rifle Club' Ammunition. I.C.I. '22 AMMUNITION I M P E R I A L C H E M I C A L I N D U S T R I E S L T D . , L O N D O N , S . W . I A.M.29 WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKii. T H E R I F L E M A N Spring, 1946. A Worthy Target for All Riflemen [Editor's note : Colonel Tumham, who has completed more than forty years continuous service in the Regular Army, is well known in shooting circles. He was Chief Instructor at the Small Arms School, Hythe, and the Tank Gunnery School and is a familiar figure at Bisley. He has shot for England and India, also for the Army for many years besides being associated with Kent and Surrey in County Matches. He has won the Army Championship in India, the " Army Hundred " at home and several revolver championships. Colonel Tumham has served in the 10th Royal Hussars and during the war he did valuable work on the staff" in Northern Ireland and at the War Office in connection with Army Welfare. His words which follow will be read with particular interest by all members of Rifle Clubs, to whom they will have a special appeal.] THE great fraternity of shooting men always have a warm corner I in their hearts for the boys in khaki. Nobody appreciates more deeply the fine job of work the Army has done nor understands more fully the individual sacrifices and hardships that have been endured. M O R E T H A N T H R E E - Q U A R T E R S O F KHAKI T H E F O R C E S W O R E There were five and a half million men and women in the Forces during the war and no fewer than four and a quarter million of these were in the Army. They have suffered violent dislocation of their lives and careers. They have been lonely and cut off from their families and have had to adjust themselves to ways of life and circumstances which were quite foreign to their normal peace-time lives. Many will undoubtedly experience great difficulties in readjusting themselves to civilian life. Only those who have suffered through service will receive a disability pension, and it must be remembered that it is only a very small percentage of regular soldiers who qualify for a service pension. GOVERNMENT RELIEF NOT ENOUGH No system of pay and gratuity could be framed to meet all the vary ing financial problems that will arise. The gaps which cannot be filled ijy State provision constitute a debt of honour and gratitude and that debt is owed to everyone who has worn the Army's khaki; to every soldier who through service has been hindered from making his way in life and from establishing himself and his family in security ; to every soldier who has suffered injury or harm that will prevent him from competing for his living and also to the families of the men who have faUen. N E E D F O R A C E N T R A L F U N D F O R T H E A R M Y For some time benevolent funds have existed for the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, and in the Army there already exists a number of regimental associations which assist those who have served or are serving and their dependents. There are, in addition, a number of charitable organisations 'which tend to the wants of families and help men and women of the three services. The resources of these regimental associations and charities are, however, generally small and altogether inadequate to deal with the requirements of a national army. The Army Benevolent Fund has been formed under the patronage of His Majesty The King with the following objects : (a) To secure more efficient aid and financial support for approved Military Charities which directly or indirectly benefit the persons (male or female) or dependents of persons, who are serving or have served in His Majesty's Army. (fi) To this end, to receive subscriptions, donations bequests or gifts of money or property. (c) To apply any money or property so obtained in making grants to approved military charities and in creating a capital fund to be applied with the income thereof for the benefit of approved military charities. The Fund does NOT deal directly with individuals in the a d m i n i s t r a t i o n o f r e l i e f , b u t w i l l m a k e g r a n t s t o a p p r o v e d military charities which already have the machinery for dealing with the individuals' needs. The almost unbelievable fortitude and unbreakable spirit of the indivi^al soldier shines out from every page of this great history of victpry. The men who fought and won, their comrades who suffered as prisoners of war every form of brutality the enemy could devise, and those who gave their lives for their country ; their achievements, their sacrifices, have laid a debt of honour upon us all. It is a debt we can never fully repay, but we can give practical expression to our gratitude by contributing liberally to relieve the hardships of all those who may need relief and assistance now or in the years to come. H O W S H O O T I N G C L U B S C A N H E L P The Executive Committee of the Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs believes that shooting men will welcome the opportunity of making donations, giving subscriptions, annually or by covenant, or of organising events to raise funds, to enable the Army Benevolent Fund to accomplish its work for those who have served or are serving in the British Army. It is therefore recommending all affiliated Clubs to support the Army Benevolent Fund appeal during 1946. As a guide to the ways in which this support can be given, a book has been prepared describing dozens of methods of raising money for the Army Benevolent Fund by means that will provide pleasure to those who give. Copies of this guide may be obtained from the Appeal Organiser, Colonel A. S. Turnham, C.B.E., The Army Benevolent Fund, 20, Grosvenor Place, S.W.I. Funds raised or donations should be sent to Field Marshal the Earl of Cavan at 20, Grosvenor Place, S.W.I, or paid into any bank m Great Britain or Northern Ireland for the credit of the Army Benevolent Fund. now And pay your debt t o h i m . . . T H E D E B T W E A L L O W E We all retain vivid recollections of the great achievements of the Army during that grim period in 1940 when the gallant and stubborn rearguard action at Dunkirk saved a nucleus of our army to fight again. We do not forget the brilliant but fluctuating enterprise in North Africa, in Norway, Greece, the defeat of the Italians in Abyssinia, and the capture of Madagascar. Then there was the greatest and most trium phant march of all time, from El Alamain to Berlin, which finailv won us victory in Europe. These, together with the magnificent success in the Far East, make a record of military achievement unrivalled in the whole splendid history of the British Army. But they are not military achievements only. SUPPORT THE army benevolent patron, h.m. fund THB %SttO Send a Thanksgiving Peace Donation to Field-Marshal The Earl of Cavan, 20.GrosvenorPlace,London,S.W.I. OrganisersofVictoryCelebrationsi Fetes, Dances, Sporting Events, etc., are specially asked to donate the proceeds to the Army Benevolent Fund. (Bttitttredunjer i*t War okaHiia J-tuW) WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKThe Rifleman THE JOURNAL OF the SOCIETY OF MINIATURE RIFLE CLUBS. Evacuation Address :—"M.AYLEIGK;' PETERSHAM ROAD, RICHMOND, SURREY. Tklboraphic Addrxss : "Rifleshot, Phone, London." Telbphonb: RIChmond 1444. "Patron : H I S M A J E S T Y T H E K I N G . President; Field Marsha! Lord \nLNE, G.C.B., G.C.M.G., D.S.O., D.C.L., LL.D. H. H. ALDRIDGE, Esq. Field Marshal VISCOUNT ALEXANDER, G.C.B., G.C.M.G., C.S.I.. DSC M.C., A.D.C. The Rt. Hon. LEOPOLD AMER Y, P.O.. C.H. EDWIN LIONEL BELL, Esq. F i e l d M a r s h a l L O R D B I R D W O O D , G . C . B . , G . C . S . I . , G . C . M . G . , G . C . V O D.S.O., M.A. ' Col. R. BODLEY, V.D., Chairman, Union of South Africa R.A. ALFRED C. BOSSOM, Esq., M.P., J.P. G e n e r a l S i r A L A N G . B . B O U R N E , K . C . B . , M . V. O . , D . S . O . Major-Genera! V iscount BRIDGEMAN, C.B., D.S.O., M.C. The Rt. Hon. S. M. BRUCE, P.C., C.H., M.C. Vi s c o u n t C A M R O S E . • Admiral of the Fleet Lord CHATFIELD, G.C.B., K.C.M.G., G.V.O., D.C.L. (Oxon) Col. Tho Lord COTTESLOE, C.B., V .D., T .D. ^ ' Col. The Rt. Hon. Lord COURTHOPE, P.C., M.C., T.D. C a p t . R I C H I E C R AW F O R D , P r e s i d e n t N e w Z e a l a n d R . A . Brig.-General The Lord CROFT, C.M.G. Admiral of the Fleet Viscount CUNNINGHAM, G.C.B., K.C.B., C.B., D.S O Maior-General G. DALBY, C.B., D.S.O. T h o C o u n t e s s o f D A L H O U S I E . M n o r D . P E R C Y D AV I E S , J . P. M a o r T h e L o r d D E N H A M , M . C . M a o r - G e n . S i r J A M E S S . D R E W, K . B . E . , C . B . , D . S . O . , M . C . Brig-Gcnernl H. S. FRANKLIN, C.M.G., C.B.E., D.S.O. Air Vice-Marsha J Sir PHILIP GAME. G.C.B., G.C.V.O., G.B.E., K.C.M.G.. D S O Air Marshal Sir LESLIE GOSSAGE, K.C.B., C.V.O., D.S.O., M.C. Director General A.T .C. The Rt. Hon. EARL OF HADDINGT ON, M.C. • L t . - C o l . S i r L I O N E L F L E T C H E R , C . B . E . , C h a i r m a n . •Lt..CoI. T . SUTT ON, M.B.E., F .S.A., I ... „. CECIL MACK, Esq., j V ice-Chairmen. M a i o r W. J . A RT I S , M . C . Capt. F. R. BACON. EDWIN L. BELL, Esq. A. C. BOSSOM, Esq., M.P., J.P. Maior-Gcncral V iscount BRIDGEMAN, C.B., D.S.O., M.C. Vi s c o u n t C A M R O S E . Col. G. R. CODRDVGT ON, C.B., D.S.O., O.B.E., T.D. Major-General G. DALBY, C.B., D.S.O. W. D R E W, E s q . R. G. ELIAS, Esq. W. D . F I N D L AY, E s q . M a j o r F. M A C G R E G O R F R Y. T. J . G I B S O N , E s q . M a i o r R . W. G L E A D O W. Vi c e - P r e s i d e n t s : General Sir IAN HAMILTON, G.C3., G.C.M.G., D.S.O., T.D. Vi s c o u n t H A M P D E N , K . C . B . , C . M . G . The Rt. Hon. the Earl of H.AREWOOD, K.G., G.C.V.O., D.S.O., T.D. T h e R i g h t H o n . W I L L I . A M J . J O R D A N , P. C . , H i g h C o m m i s s i o n e r, N e w Z e a l a n d . G e n e r a l S i r WA LT E R M . S t . G . K I R K E , G . C B . , . C . M . G . , D . S . O . . D X . Lt.-Col. Lord LOVAT, D.S.O.. M.C Major-General R. M. LUCKOCK, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O. The Rt. Hon. VINCENT MASSEY, High Commissioner, Dominion of Canada. G e n e r a l S i r I V O R M A X S E , K . C . B . , C . V. O . , D . S . O . Lord McGOW AN, K.B.E. C o l . S i r C H A R L E S M E R R E T T, C . B . E . , V. D . , P r e s i d e n t C . A . R . A . M a j o r S i r C L I V E M O R R I S O N - B E L L , B a r t . T h e R i g h t H o n . G . H . N I C H O L L S , H i g h C o m m i s s i o n e r f o r S o u t h A f r i c a . Th e Ho n. S. M . O 'KEE FE, C. M . G . , h l. C. , Hi gh C om m is sion e r S. R hod e sia. C o l . C H A R L E S P O N S O N B Y, T. D . , M . P. Marshal of tho R.A.F., V iscount POR TAL. O.M.. K.C.B., D.S.O., M.C. L t . - C o l . S i r P H I L I P W. R I C H A R D S O N , B a r t . , O . B . E . , V. D . S i r S A A I U E L R U N G A N A D H A N , D e w a n B a h a d u r, H i g h C o m m i s s i o n e r f o r I n d i a . Field-Marshal J. C. SMUTS, P.C., C.H., F.R.S., Prime Minister of South Africa. Dr . EDITH SUMMERSKILL, M.P. Lt..Col. SIR HUGH TURNBULL, K.C.V.O., KX.E. D r . C . H E Y G A T E V E R N O N . Colonel Sir A. LAMBERT WARD, Bart., C.V.O., D.S.O., T.D. S. F. W ATERSON, Esq. L t . - C o l . S i r W. E . G . A . W E I G A L L , B a r t . , K . C M . G . , D . L . H i s G r a c e T H E D U K E O F W E S T M I N S T E R , G . C V. O . , D . S . O . F. W H T TA K E R , E s q . Col. The Rt. Hon. The Lord WIGRAM, P.C., G.CB., G.CV.O., CS.L M i s s P A T R I C I A A . Y O U N G . M . B . E . Council: GEO, F. BOOTH, Esq., M.B.E., P. G . R I C H A R D S O N , E s q . , I Joint Hon. T reasurers. Col. G. GOULD, D.S.O, C G. P. HAINES, Esq. Arr Vice-Marshal F. C HALAHAN, C.M.G., C.B.E., D.S.O., M.V.O. T. P. HARTLEY, Esq. N. C. HEADLAND, Esq. ROBT. B. HENDERSON, Esq., M.B.E. I. R. P. HESLOP, Esq., M.A. CHARLES LAYWOOD, Esq., M.B.E. H. S. LONGHURST, Esq. D. McGILLIVRAY, Esq. NORMAN McMONNIES, M.C, Esq. Col. M. K. MATTHEWS, T.D., D.L., J.P. T. E. MILLIGAN, Esq. Capt. J. L. MILNE. Col. C G. MOORE, C.B.E., M.C., T.D., D.L. Executive Committee. Superintendent M. PURBRICK, M.B.E. L L - C o l . S i r P H I U P W . R I C H A R D S O N , B a r t . , O.B.E., V.D. P. V. R O G E R S , E s q . Sir HAROLD SCOTT, K.C.B., K.B.E., Com missioner of Metropolitan Police. M a j o r F. B . S M I T H . B . E . M . A. V . ST ANIFOR TH, Esq., A.M.I.Mech.E., M.I.StmctX. Lt.-Col. I. H. ST OCKWOOD. L t . - C o l . S i r H U G H T U R N B U L L , K . C . V . O . , K.B.E., Commissioner of Police, City of London. H i s G r a c e T H E D U K E O F W E S T M I N S T E R , G.CV.O., D.S.O. Lt.-Col. K. WHTIT ON. Ex-Officio Lf.-Col. S. J. COLE, C.M.G., C.B.E., COLONIAL OFFICE. L t . - C o l . J . L . M O U LT O N . D . S . O . , R . M . , R O YA L M A R I N E S R . A . L t . - C o l . H . A . W A R I N G , D . S . O . , T H E A R M Y R . A . Lt.-Col. R. F. SYMONDS, O.B.E., T.D., T.A., R.A. Col. A. A. E. CHTTTY, D.S.O., Inspector of the Training Corps, J.T.C. M r s . G . O . S A LT E R , W O M E N ' S R I F L E A S S O C U T I O N . Capt. J. R. HEMSTED, C.B.. R.N.V.R., R.A. M e m b e r s : Col. J. G. SANDIE, D.S.O., M.C, S.A.S., (PLATOON WEAPONS), THE WA R O F F I C E . , C h a i r m a n A . R . A . W i n g - C o m m a n d e r J . L . K . P E A R C E , O . B . E . , R . AT. , R . A . S e r g t . W . C A M P B E L L , S C O T T I S H P O L I C E S . B . R . A . Lt.-Col. F . L. PETTMAN. BRITISH NA TIONAL CADET ASSOCIA TION. M a j o r M . I . H E M S T E A D , P U B L I C S E C O I « J D A R Y S C H O O L S C A D E T ASSOCUTION. Mr. GEO. PETHARD, M.B.E., Secretary of the Society and Editor of the Society's Journal, " The Rifleman." Opinions expressed by our conlnbators are not neaessarily those of the S.M.R.C. Vo l . X X X V i n . N o , 3 7 9 . L O N D O N . SPRING, 1946.Quarterly 6d. Annual Subecrlptioc, 2s. 6d. ^t frae. Editorial Despite the handicaps of insufficient and more expensive shooting requisites it will be noted from the 43rd Annual Report, which appears in this issue, that substantial progress was made in the year 1945, but it will be evident that some alleviation of the situation must be achieved if the present interest of the members is to be maintained. In any case we must allow for shooting as a novelty to wear off to some extent during the current year, after whuch we shall be able to better assess the gains we have made from the Home Guard and the goodwill of the general pubUc. In the meantime it behoves all the club, league and Association secretaries and officials to create enthusiasm by bringing into their rifle clubs all the initiative and WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK2 Spring, 1946. enterprise they can provide. Never before has it been so necessary to offer a welcoming hand in comradeship to the newcomer or to provide the necessary contacts and t u i t i o n f o r h i m . I t i s n o t s u f fi c i e n t t o b o o k h i m a s a member and leave him to his own devices. The old-time coach must be resurrected and every new member kept busy. Our leaflet entitled " A Club Programme," sent free on receipt of a stamped envelope, or our " Hints " booklet at 4d. post free, will give much helpful technical advice. Certainly every member should be introduced to the Marksman Badge classification tests, which can be made the first objective of all of them. With the introduction of the Scottish Meeting £400 prize programme and 15 challenge trophies for The Victory prize meeting in Edinburgh from 17th to 22nd June next inclusive, the importance of achieving classification stan dards becomes more apparent. For those keen on .22 rifle shooting who can spare the time to have a week's hofiday in the ancient and modern city of Edinburgh we can offer both good friendship and good shooting in the best of conditions if the weather is only as fine as the range. Initiated by the representatives of the Home Counties at their meeting to arrange dates for their respective prize meetings and to give consideration of other matters relating to competitions, the classification of marksmen s c h e m e w a s f o r m u l a t e d . I t w a s t h e n s u b m i t t e d t o t h e Advisory Committee, who approved and in turn recom mended it to the Council, the latter adopting it on 13th March. Whilst admitting that the figures stipulated for the first year can only be regarded as experimental, the scheme in principle is an innovation which will become of increasing importance as time goes on. Therefore, we give below its foundational clauses :— C L A S S I F I C A T I O N S C H E M E F O R O P E N A N D C O U N T Y . 2 2 R I F L E P R I Z E M E E T I N G S (1) That competitors in all competitions subject to grading be classified on their actual performance at S.M.R.C. 25 yards decimal or proportionate ; i.e., 15 or 20 yards distance cards. (2) Each entrant must return on his entry form his official " ranking " aggregate for his eight highest scores in not less than the last 10 cards shot in :— »^ (a) S.M.R.C. League or open competitions. (b) County League. (c) Club competition. —counting back strictly in this order until 10 cards are covered. Competitors unable to comply with (a), (b) or (c) will be placed in the highest class. (3) Entrants will be divided into classes according to their average 1 s t c l a s s 9 8 . 5 a n d o v e r 2 n d c l a s s 9 7 . 0 a n d b e l o w 9 8 . 5 . 3 r d c l a s s o v e r 9 4 . 0 a n d b e l o w 9 7 . 0 . 4 t h c l a s s b e l o w 9 4 . 0 . (4) All entrants making averages at 25 yards above their class at an open or county meeting will be re-classified • accordingly as from the close of that meeting. (5) Once classified at an open or county tneeting a * competitor cannot revert to a lower class unless his average for two consecutive meetings combined with his " ranking " average at the date of entry is below his class. The Council of the Society are warmly appreciative of the extensive forethought and consideration to the technical side of .22 rifle shooting and to regulations for competitions which the Advisory Committee are requested to provide, and they give thanks to that body accordingly. Unfortunately, in some directions there seems to be a tendency to exceed the scope of its terms of reference. Therefore it is necessary to give the following information here. The constitution of the Advisory Committee and the scope of its duties are laid down in Article 42 of the Articles of Association and paragraph 6 of the Regulations of the S.M.R.C. These will be found below . No motion can be dealt with by the Committee unless it has been put forward by a County Association or by the S.M.R.C. and approved by the Council of the S.M.R.C. or by the Executive Committee under the authority of the Council. All motions by County Associations shall reach the offices of the S.M.R.C. not less than 28 days before the date fixed for the annual meeting of the Advisory Committee. ' Every motion must be in accordance with article 42 of the Articles of Association, and paragraph 6 of the Regulations of the S.M.R.C. E X T R A C T F R O M A R T I C L E S O F A S S O C I A T I O N Par. 42. The Council may from time to time and as often as they shall think fit refer to a Committee (herein called the Advisory Committee), not necessarily consisting of members of the Society, the consideration of all or any matters of a technical kind concerning rifles, am munition and rifle shooting, rifle ranges, the location of rifle ranges, range-finding and kindred matters and instruction in any of the matters aforesaid for the purpose of obtaining reports and advice from the Advisory Com mittee as to the best course the Council should pursue in relation thereto in order to promote the interests of the Society. The Council may from time to time and as often as it thinks fit refer back to the Advisory Committee any reports or advice it has received from the said Committee, or it may, whether it adopts such report and advice or not, refer the same or any other matter further to the said Committee for further advice and report thereon. The Council shall not be bound in any case to adopt the advice or report of the said Committee. ' EXTRACTS FROM REGULATIONS Par. 6. There shall be an Advisory Committee :— (a) It shall consist of a chairman and three other persons to be nominated by the Council (each to have a vote) ; the secretary (without voting power), and one nominee of each County Association, affiliated to the Society (each of such nominees to have a vote). (b) The nominees of the Council and the nominees of the County Associations shall act for one year, but shall be eligible for re-nomination. The secretary of a County Association shall notify the Society annually before the 3 0 t h N o v e m b e r o f t h e n a m e a n d a d d r e s s o f t h e n o m i n e e of the County Association. In the absence of any notification from the County Association the name of the existing nominee shall stand for the ensuing year. (c) It shall meet at least once a year, such meeting to be held in London, and at such other times and places as the Council may direct. Members attending meetings shall be entitled to payment of half railway fares on application for the same within seven days after each meeting. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK3 (d) The duties of the Advisory Committee, in addition to those laid down in par. 42, Articles of Association, shall be to advise the Council on the following matters, referred to them by the said Council :— " ^ (a) The revision from time to time of the rules in connection with the various competitions. (b) The constitution of the programme for, and the locality of, the various open meetings promoted by the Society. (c) All suggestions made from time to time with regard to shooting matters. The above are the terms of reference for this Committee. Amongst the several competitions announced to commence in this issue there will be noted a revival of the following:— Provincial Cities and Boroughs for teams of ten shooting at 25 yards. The B.S.A. Cup for County teams of twenty shooters at 25 yards. The County Cup for County teams of twenty at 25, 50 and 100 yards. But the Queen Alexandra Cup competition will not be revived until early 1947. We are indebted to the Chairman for the provision of a silver challenge bowl for the inauguration of a team competition for old boys of the J.T.C. Schools, the con ditions of which, with the aid of Col. A. A. E. Chitty, will shortly be distributed to the schools concerned and also announced in the next issue. We were honoured by the attendance of General Sir Alan Bourne, K.C.B., D.S.O., M.V.O., to present the Heslop Challenge Cup to the Oxford team, who won against Cambridge, as described elsewhere. It was the 21st year since the inception of this match by Mr. Ian Heslop, of Cambridge. A new match feature in March has been the first clay disc breaking team match " on the air " between teams representing London and Edinburgh, in which the former were successful. A possible expansion of this idea to television is indicated, but this should first be fostered by the inauguration of shoulder-to-shoulder league matches. In addition to congratulations on award of honours expressed in our Winter issue we now warmly congratulate three other members of the Council, viz. : Col. C. G. Moore on being invested with the order of G.C.B., Mr. Robert B. Henderson with the O.B.E. and Major F. B. Smith, of Perth, with the award of the B.E.M. The financial year of the S.M.R.C. commences on 1st January, and according to its Articles of Association unless club subscriptions are paid by the end of March, such memberships cease to exist and the free copy of The Rifleman will automatically not be sent. After 1st July next the sport of .22 pistol shooting will be wholly under the administration of the S.M.R.C., as the N.R.A. have requested us to relieve them of this section, which the Council have agreed to do. It may be that the conditions of certain pistol competitions will be amended to coincide with S.M.R.C. rules. An Advisory Pistol Shooting Committee has been appointed, with Col, G. Gould, D.S.O., chairman and Col. Granet and Mr. G. W. Calferata the members. To some extent this has delayed the issue of the conditions of the Society's .22 Pistol League, Please note that the date of entry has been altered from 12th March to 12th April. With a recent circular letter we enclosed, amongst I other competition matter, the conditions of the National Team Handicap. Kindly note that each competitor fires 10 shots on one card and that the proceeds are not to benefit the Polish Relief Fund. I When sending entries for Standing and Kneeling League j please submit averages in all cases. Entries close 3lst May. We regret to have to report that owing to the manufac turers having again increased their price'to the S.M.R.C. as from 1st March, 1946, for .22 long rifle ammunition (in consequence, they say, of advanced cost of material, labour, etc.) the Society has had to raise its price to £2 per 1,000 nett, carriage paid for minimum quantities of 5,000. This increase in price applied to all orders on and after the 1st March, 1946. Many clubs have been unable to properly carry out the shooting regulations of the Society because of being unable to get dead weight trigger testers, and we have obtained a supply at 13s. each, to include postage. Besides undertaking the management of the grand final stage of " Their Day " .22 shooting competition of H.M. Forces and Home Defence organisations, which this year changed its title to the " Forces Day " competition, the S.M.R.C. has promoted a competition amongst its afiiliated units to enable them to qualify to take part in the grand final stage. Printed particulars have been circulated to all club secretaries. Kindly note " Gill" targets are to be used. It is hoped that this deserving cause will be well supported by entries, which are hmited to three per competitor. Besides the revival of Home Countries International Team Matches as advertised in the Scottish programme at Edinburgh these will be followed by a similar team entry at the National meeting to be staged at Ham and Petersham from 7th to 14th September next, wliilst on Sunday, 15th September, the team to represent Great Britain will shoot their cards at Ham for the premier postal international, the Dewar Challenge Trophy, for teams of 20 each competitor firing 40 shots, 20 each at 50 and 100 yards ranges. The bodies authorised to select the teams are : The International Matches Committee of the S.M.R.C. for Great Britain, the National Rifle Asso ciation of America for the U.S.A., the Miniature Rifle ' Clubs Union of New South Wales for Australia, the Canadian Small-bore Association for Canada (for 1946), and in New Zealand, India and South Africa by Associa- , tions approved by the S.M.R.C. Up to 1939, amongst the foremost trades concerned in .22 rifle shooting from the workers' welfare point of view, undoubtedly the Railway men were prominent, as each of the four big groups had their own leagues or associations and sent representative teams annually to one of the S.M.R.C. open national ineetings to compete in the Railwaymen's Team Championship for a 100 guinea trophy, which, alas, was destroyed with Codrington House by enemy action in May, 1941. Moreover, the Railway- men had reached international status by an annual match between teams representing the Canadian Railways and railways of the U.S.A. for the Pennsylvania Trophy. Naturally thb Society wishes to revive the former prestige and activities of such an important section in small-bore rifle shooting. Therefore we welcome the approach made by the Chairman to the Chairman of the L.M.S., who writes :—" It is a fact that, like many of our welfare {continued on page 11) WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK4 A Meeting of the Advisory Committee WAS HELD AT THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, 25, CHARLOTTE SQUARE, EDINBURGH, AT 11.30 A.M. ON SATURDAY, 23rd FEBRUAR Y, 1946. (This Committee's agreed recommendations only are numbered 1 to 46 in bolder figures and the Council's decisions on each follows at the end.) Present :—Mr. W. D. Findlay, Council and Aberdeen (in the chair) ; Mr. F. V/. Bracegirdle, Derbyshire ; Mr. G. W. Cafferata, Nottinghamshire; Mr. G. Christie, Aberdeenshire; Mr. G. F. Clyne, Yorkshire; Mr. W. Cornish, London ; Mr. A. S. Dow, Morayshire ; Mr. J. Eddie, Dundee and Angus ; Mr. W. H. Fuller, Hertfordshire ; Mr. Peter Gentlenian, Stirlingshire; Mr. V. H. Gilbert, Surrey; Mr. W. B. Godwin, Staffordshire; Col. G. Gould, D.S.O., Council ; Mr. N. C. Headland, Council ; Mr. L. S. Hughes, Middlesex ; Mr. H. W. Johnson, Durham ; Mr. A. D. Keir, Lanarkshire ; Mr. J. A. Lawrence, Banffshire ; Mr. R. Martin, Berwick shire ; Mr. J. MacGranthin, Ayrshire ; Mr. J. G. Proudfoot, Edinburgh and Midlothian ; Mr. P. V. Rogers, Leicestershire ; Major F. B. Smith, B.E.M., Perthshire ; Mr. A. V. Staniforth, Council; Mr. A. Traies, Warwickshire; Mr. A.-B. Carnegie (Angus Observer); Mr. T. Walker (S.M.R.C. Scottish representative) ; Mr. F. J. Tucknott (S.M.R.C. Chief Statistical Officer) ; and Mr. G. Pethard (S.M.R.C. Secretary). The Secretary intimated apologies for absence from the following Major R. W. Gleadow, Council; Major W. J. Artis, M.C., Council ; Mr. C. Laywood, M.B.E., Council; Lt.-Col. T. Sutton, M.B.E., F.S.A. (Council) ; Mr. H. G. Bissett, Northumberland ; Mr. H. N. Braddell, Herefordshire ; Mr. W. B. Cross, Dorsetshire ; Mr. A. Dobson, Hampshire; Mr. C. G. P. Haines, Glamorgan ; Mr. T. P. Hartley, Devonshire ; Mr. G. A. MacLeod, Jnr., Argyllshire ; Mr. W. F. J. McWhor, Lancashire ; Dr. J. Mekelburg, Essex ; Mr. H. C. Nuim, Buckinghamshire ; Mr. W. Roach,'Cheshire ; and Lt.-Col. H. F. Symonds, Oxfordshire. The letters from Major R. W. Gleadow (Chairman) and C. Laywood, both of the Council, were read as follows ;— It is with very real regret that illness prevents my attendance at the Advisory Committee Meeting in Edinburgh on Saturday, and I shall be pleased if you will kindly convey my apologies for absence and at tfie same time my best wishes for a successful meeting. The Agenda which you are about to consider and which consists of propositions from County Associations separated by many hundreds of miles up and down the country, shows the confidence in which you, the •elected representatives on the Advisory Committee, are held by thousands of clubs, and many more thousands of individual riflemen. I think it would be as well at this, the first meeting after the termina tion of hostilities, to look back over the war years, for apart from the magnificent contribution in the Nation's interest by the provision of We a p o n Tr a i n i n g I n s t r u c t o r s , R a n g e s , e t c . , r i fl e c l u b s p r o v i d e d a n o p p o r t u n i t y f o r t h e c u l t i v a t i o n o f t h a t s p i r i t o f s p o r t s m a n s h i p a n d comradeship by which many hundreds of^ people were able to meet d i f fi c u l t i e s a n d s e t - b a c k s . In planning now for the future of rifle shooting, which it is pleasing to note is attracting an ever increasing number of new members and new clubs, it may well be that rifle shooting as a sport can continue to take a very active part in our country's every-day life, and when that same sportsmanship and comradeship will be all the more necessary in the difficult years ahead for this Country and Empire. In years to come this meeting of the Advisory Committee may well be regarded as being a milestone in the life of small-bore shooting, and it is perhaps fitting that it should be held in your great City of Edinburgh which is so full of tradition. My best wishes to you all for a very successful meeting. Yours sincerely, ^ R. W. GLEADOW. I was pleased to receive a copy of the agenda for the Advisory Committee meeting and there are some very useful points tabled tor discussion, and I am sorry that I shall not be able to be present at the meeting and take part in the discussion. Will you please convey to all my friends at the meeting my sincere regrets at not being present with them, and my kindest regards to all. I shall be very glad when the item in Section 4, International Matches is brought forward, if you will inform the committee that it is my desire that my name is not included in the names of those to be submitted to f o r m t h e S e l e c t i o n C o m m i t t e e . I very much regret after having served on the International Selection Committee since its formation, having to sever.my connection with this important committee, but I feel only those should be appointed who will be able to attend rifle meetings and get to know competitors who should be included in international matches. I shall look forward to seeing the report of the Advisory Committee after their meeting. Yours sincerely, C. LA YWOOD. Both the above letters evoked warm expressions of sympathy with the writers in their respective illnesses. The meeting was upstanding in silent tribute to the memory of the late Lieut.-General Sir Alfred E. Codrington, G.C.V.O., K.C.B., former President of the S.M.R.C. The minutes of the last meeting held at the Great Northern Hotel, Leeds, at 2.30 p.m. on Saturday, 24th February, 1945, having been published in the spring, 1945, issue of The Rifleman and having been taken as read, were confirmed on the motion of Mr. Cornish, seconded by Mr. Keir, and signed by the Chairman. Arising out of the minutes, Mr. Keir pointed out that at the larst Advisory Committee meeting it had been a unanimous recommendation that the time was not ripe to proceed with standing and kneeling shooting. They had noted that a standing and kneeling League had been formed and Mr. Hughes pointed out that the entry to that League had been very poor. He thought the Committee should at the outset ask the reason why that recommendation was not conformed to, as it showed a poor opinion of the value which was attached to this Committee. The Secretary said that the Committee was asked for recommendations to advise the Council and in this case the Coiincil had felt that they shoiild give those who desired standing and kneeling shooting an opportunity to compete in those positions. It was an experimental competition, and he thought the fact that 36 clubs had entered it did justify to some extent the need for more comprehensive .22 rifle shooting. The Advisory Committee also took exception to the inclusion of the rule that a husband and wife should not witness each other's cards,-contrary t o t h e i r r e c o m m e n d a t i o n . Mr. Rogers, Leicester, said he understood that what the Committee passed were only recommendations, and the Council were not bound to abide by them. He thought the results quite justified what was done and he also noticed from The American Rifleman that they also were interested in standing and kneeling shooting in the U.S.A. Mr. Keir, who said that to him it looked too much like dictatorship on the part of the Council, moved the following resolution :— " In relation to the resolutions passed at Leeds, that this Committee view with grave concern the attitude of the Council towards the work o f t h e A d v i s o r y C o m m i t t e e . " This was seconded by Mr. Hughes, and after some discussion was carried. S E C T I O N 1 . R E G U L A T I O N S O F P R I Z E M E E T I N G S . 1. Proposed by Mr. Gilbert, seconded by Mr. Traies, and carried :— Rule 1. Re-word to read ; " A small-bore rifle club is a club which carries on rifle and/or pistol shooting wholly or partly with small-bore rifles, pistols and ammunition as defined in Rules 3, 4 and 7." Proposed by Mr. Gilbert, seconded by Mr. Cafferata, and carried that Rule 4 be re-worded to read :— 2 . " R e f e r t o S . M . R . C . O f fi c i a l R u l e s f o r . 2 2 P i s t o l M a t c h e s . " A proposition with regard to Rule 6 was moved by Mr. Gilbert, seconded by Mr. Hughes, was carried as follows :— 3. " Delete the words ' on one card ' from each target description. 4. Also the paragraph, ' All cards must be placed on the butt in a horizontal position,' to read * All cards must be placed on the butt upright as printed.' " 5. A further proposition in regard to Rule 6 by Perthshire : " That the same number of scoring rings be printed on the 10-bull proportionate cards at 15, 20 and 25 yards," was amended to read ; " by cutting down the rings on the 15 and 20 yards to the same number as on the 25 yards." This was moved by Major F. B. Smith, seconded by Mr. Cornish and carried. Under the next item in the Agenda in relation to Rules 8 and 9 : " That the status of Tyros, Inexperts and Experts be fully considered," the following suggested classification scheme for Open, and County Small- Bore Rifle Meetings was put forward in substitution by Mr. Gilbert:— 6. " (1) It is proposed that all entrants be classified on their actual per formance at the S.M.R.C. 25 yards decimal or proportionate, I i . e . 1 5 o r 2 0 y a r d s d i s t a n c e c a r d s . (2) Each entrant must return on his entry form his official ' Ranking' aggregate for his 8 highest scores in not less than the last 10 cards . • s h o t i n : — (a) S.M.R.C. League or Open Competitions. (b) County League. ' ( c ) C l u b C o m p e t i t i o n . —counting back strictly in this order until 10 cards are covered. Competitors unable to comply with (a), (b) or (c) will be placed in the highest class. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKSpring, 1946. 13) Entrants will be divided into classes according to their average : 1 s t C l a s s 9 8 . 5 a n d o v e r 2 n d C l a s s 9 7 . 0 a n d b e l o w 9 8 . 5 3 r d C l a s s o v e r 9 4 . 0 a n d b e l o w 9 7 . 0 4 t h C l a s s b e l o w 9 4 . 0 (4) All entrants making averages at 25 yards above their class at an Open or County Meeting, will be re-classilicd accordingly as from the close of that meeting. (5) Once classified at an Open or County Meeting acompetitor cannot revert to a lower class unless his average for 2 consecutive meetings combined with his ' Ranking' average at the date of entry is b e l o w h i s c l a s s . " There was coiisiderable discussion on this proposition, at the conclusion of which the Chairman expressed the view that they should agree on the s c o r e s m a d e a t 2 5 y a r d s a s b a s i c i n t h e m e a n t i m e . M r. H e a d l a n d remarked they had to have some basis to go on ; it was a step in the right direction and long overdue. Major Smith, seconded by Mr. MacGranthin, movc4 that the proposal be adopted as drafted and circulated, and this was unanimously approved. 7. Proposed by Major Smith, seconded by Mr. Cornish, and carried :— T h a t R u l e 1 0 b e r e - w o r d e d t o r e a d : " J u n i o r a n d V e t e r a n s . I n competitions restricted to juniors, competitors must be under IS years of age on the closing date of entry. A certificate signed by a parent or other responsible person may be demanded. In competitions restricted to Veterans, competitors must be not imder 60 years of age on the closing date of entry." The following proposal moved by Mr. Keir, seconded by Mr. Gentle man, in relation to Rule 20, was lost:— Add paragraph :—" That no hook or loop, or other apparatus may be used to retain the sling in any particular position on the person." A further proposition with regard to Rule 20 in the name of Cornwall, who were not represented, was not supported. It was in these terms :— After the words " Firing Point " in 10th line amend as follows :— " Padding is only permitted on the shoulders and arms, no padding is allowed on the forearm below 4 inches from the elbow joint " and substitute " Padding of any description is not permitted." Before the words " elbow pads " insert " Regulation " ; after the words ' elbow pads " delete the words " and padded shooting coats." The following proposal by Stirlingshire, also in relation to Rule 20, was not supported :— That no elbow pads or mats be allowed to be used by any com petitor who is wearing a padded shooting jacket." A proposal, also from Stirlingshire, re Rule 37 was not supported. I t w a s a s f o l l o w s : — " That Meeting Rules 6 and 37 and Postal Rule 15 should be altered tp give effect to a hit in or on the highest scoring ring should count 5 instead of 10 in team shooting, thus altering the scoring rings to count respectively 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 instead of 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5." Mr. Gilbert put forward the following proposal on behalf of Surrey, but there being no seconder it was not supported :— Rule 37 and Postal Rule 15. Add at the end of second paragraph : The StatisUcal Officer is only entitled to give value for shots that can be seen." Proposed by Mr. Gilbert, seconded by Mr. Christie, and carried :— 8. Rule 38. At the end of the rule add the words ; " See appendix for sizes of graduated gauges." SECTION 2. POSTAL REGULATIONS. Mr. Gilbert proposed the following on behalf of Surrey ;— 9. Rule 11, Paragraph 10. After the words " receipt of cards " re word to end as follows " A team may not shoot until four days after the cards have been received. In League shooting notice of the intention to send a witness must reach opponents at least seven days before the first day of the match period. The opposing secretary mus't then give his opponent at least three clear days' notice of the day, time and place t h e y i n t e n d s h o o t i n g t h e m a t c h . " ! Mr. Fuller, Hertford, seconded, and this was unanimously carried. ; Mr. Gilbert, seconded by Mr. Gentleman, proposed the following. I w h i c h w a s c a r r i e d u n a n i m o u s l y > y f b . i 10. Paragraph 14, re-word to read :—" If there is no intention to send ! a witaess or to arrange for a special witness, notice of shoot need not i be given. 11 Gilbert, seconded by Mr. Gentleman, and carried:— / i 11 . R u l e 1 3 . R e - w o r d t o r e a d : — ' Status and duties of witnesses for individual and club team shoots. The foUowing are qualified to act as witnesses in individual competitions; A member of the S,.M.R> Council or Advisory Committee. (b) A person specially appointed by the S.M.R.C. (c) The secretmy, captam or a member of the Committee of any rifle club." It was proposed by Mr. Cornish, seconded by Mr. Rogers :— That Rule 13 be re-worded to read : 12. "The following are qualified to act as witness in team competitions: (c) The secretary, captain or a member of the Committer of any rifle club. (d) A qualified person specially appointed by the opposing team. (c) If a witness is not appointed by the opposing team, or he is not present at the time fixed for the corhmencement of the shoot, the person in charge of the team is empowered to appoint any qualified person as witness." T h i s w a s c a r r i e d . -A further proposition by Surrey, moved by Mr. Gilbert and seconded by Mr. Hughes, was carried, namely :— 1 3 . " D u t i e s o f w i m e s s . T h e w i t n e s s s h a l l : (1) Be conversant with the Rules and Regulations and any special regulations relating to the competition. (2) Be present during the whole of the shoot. (3) Satisfy himself that the members shooting are correctly named on the cards they shoot and such names are affixed before the cards are placed upon the butts. (4) Initial each card before it is shot and sign and date it afterwards. (5) Bring immediately to the notice of the S.M.R.C. in writing any infringement of the rules. (6) Be debarred from witnessing his own shoot in any team or individual c o m p e t i t i o n . " " ' - -An additional clause (.7), suggested by Mr. Staniforth, supported by- Mr. Eddie, was also approved in these terms 14. •• The witness is responsible for custody of the cards during and after the shoot, and to see that they are sealed ready for despatch." The following further propositions by Surrey were also adopted on the motion of Mr. Gilbert, seconded by Mr. Hughes 1 5 . " P r o v i s i o n o f w i m e s s : The S.M.R.C. reserve to themselves the right of appointing a special witness in any case. A club finding any diffictilty in arranging for a witness should apply for assistance to the S.M.R.C. and be prepared to pay reasonable out-of-pocket e.xpenses of the person appointed, if required." 16. Rule 14. " Conduct of Shooting." Proposed Mr. Gilbert, seconded Mr. Hughes. Penultimate paragraph. Delete the words : " except by the appointed official." 17. Proposed by Mr. Gilbert, seconded by Mr. Cornish, and carried :— Rule 18. Add to Rtile : " All challenges will be referred to the E x e c u t i v e C o m m i t t e e o f t h e S . M . R . C . a n d t h e i r d e c i s i o n s h a l l b e fi n a l . " The proposition was put forward on behalf of Middlesex by Mr. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Traies, and carried, namely : 18. Rule 19. Insert the words : " For this purpose " to precede the sentence in the fourth paragraph commencing, " In order to fulfil a league match . . . ." The following proposition, moved by Mr. Gilbert and seconded by Mr. Gentleman, was also carried : 19. Rule 19. League Competitions. Paragraph 4. Delete the words, " and the restilt of all matches shot by that team in the season shall be disregarded " and substitute " Each of the opposing teams must complete their fixtures in the normal way and will receive two match points for all matches against the team withdrawn," SECTION 3. GENERAL RECOMMENDA TIONS. Mr. Gilbert on behalf of Surrey proposed the following under "Bring up to d^te and delete those obsolete." 20. I. Schedule of Targets. Rule 6. This was approved, adding the words " agreed if necessary." 21. 2. Postal Shooting. Rule II. That a copy of the draw shall be sent to all successful teams for each r o u n d a f t e r t h e f o u r t h . This was unanimously approved. 22. 3. Testing of trigger-pull. That technical consideration be given to the drafting of a rule specifying the method of testing a rifle trigger-pull, based on the official method adopted for pistol matches, to remove the existing ambiguity of angle and weight relationship. It was decided that this matter be left to the officials for investigation. 23. 4. .22 Plug Gauge. That a sisecification of the flange and pilot dimensions, with allowable tolerance, be laid down in tlie rules. This was agreed. 24. 5. That the sizes of scoring rings on S.M.R.C. standard target cards and sizes of the graduated gauges used to settle ties, be contained in an Appendix. This also met with approval. 6 . M a r k s m a n B a d g e s C o m p e t i t i o n . 25. That the ordinary A, B and C Classes stand as before, but iu addition to introduce an expert Marksman Badge for scores not less than 194 de liberate and 188 time-limit. This was agreed to. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK6 T H E 26. 7. The following motion appeared in the name of Yorkshire : " That individual scores made in S.M.R.C. competitions be notified to all clubs who send with the shot targets a stamped addressed postcard with the n a m e s o f co m p e ti to r s ." It was pointed out that this was already being done if a stamped and addressed envelope was sent. 8. A further Yorkshire proposal, " That a rapid fire competition be instituted. Teams of four firers, at 15, 20 or 25 yards. 10 rounds per firer, 9 0 s e c o n d s a l l o w e d . C o n d i t i o n s a s f o r S . M . R . C . M a r k s m a n B a d g e c o m p e t i t i o n . M a t c h e s t o b e w i t n e s s e d b y a n i n d e p e n d e n t w i t n e s s ( i f possible nominated by the S.M.R.C.)," was not supported. 27. 9. Mr. Traies, Warwickshire, seconded by Mr. Hughes, proposed : " Telescopic Sights : That more competitions shall be provided at the open meetings for shooting with ' any ' sights." This was carried. 28. 10. It was also proposed by Mr. Traies, seconded by Mr. Gilbert : " Standing and Kneeling : That the 5-bull targets shall be used for the sitting position owing to the many scores of 90 and over which are made. That 50-yard targets shall be used for standing position owing partly to the poor scores made and partly to the need for a better aiming mark." Mr. MacGranthin, seconded by Mr. Gentleman, moved that this matter be left to the Council, which course was approved. 11. The following proposal appeared in the name of Middlesex : " That the S.M.R.C. provide more competitions open to all classes of rifle shooters, rather than the present restricted entry competitions as published in The Rifleman Autumn issue, 1945," but on the motion of Mr. Hughes this was not pressed. 29. 12. The meeting approved of the following recommendation, moved by Mr. Hughes and seconded by Mr. Gentleman : " That the S.M.R.C. run a national 25 Yards Winter League, and instead of debarring clubs w h o s e C o u n t y A s s o c i a t i o n s a r e o p e r a t i n g t o i n s e r t t h e p r o v i s o t h a t ' entries will be accepted from clubs whose County Associations are operating provided they also enter at least as many teams in their County Association League.' " 3 0 . 1 3 . M r. H u g h e s , s e c o n d e d b y M r. C a f f e r a t a , m o v e d : " T h a t t h e S.M.R.C. run an inter-County League." It was suggested a knock-out competition would be better, and this was agreed to on the understanding that it was 25 yards and on a zonal basis. 3 1 . 1 4 . A r e c o m m e n d a t i o n , " T h a t t h e O l y m p i c G a m e s C o m m i t t e e be approached to include .22 rifle shooting (bearing in mind that pistol ■shooting is already included)," proposed by Mr. Hughes, was left to the Council. 15. Another Middlesex proposal, moved by Mr. Hughes : " That no practice cards be allowed in the Earl Roberts Competition " was not supported. 32. 16. Mr. Hughes, seconded by Mr. McGranthin, moved : " That any division of authority is to be deplored, and the S.M.R.C. should retain c o n t r o l o f a l l . 2 2 i n t e r n a t i o n a l r i fl e s h o o t i n g a n d a w a r d s , " b u t a f t e r d i s c u s s i o n t h i s w a s r e f e r r e d t o t h e C o u n c i l f o r c o n s i d e r a t i o n . The meeting considered the following proposals by Lancashire : 33. 17. " That the EflBciency Badge Competition under existing rules which include sandbag, rest and sling, be confined to ex-Home Guards only or, alternatively, a special badge issued to those competitors who are certified not to have used sandbag or rest." 18. "That the Penalty Rule 17 in S.M.R.C. League competitions be abolished, in the interest of true improvement in standards of shooting." 19. " That the issue of medals be discontinued and suitable cloth badges be given in lieu to the winning teams of divisions only." The recommendations were not supported and it was agreed to discontinue the Efficiency Badge Competition. SECTION 4. INTERNA TIONAL MA TCHES. 3 4 . T h e f o l l o w i n g w e r e r e c o m m e n d e d a s m e m b e r s o f t h e S e l e c t i o n Committee :—Major R. W. Gleadow, Mr. A. Traies, Mr. A. V. Staniforth, M a j o r W. J . A r t i s , M r. P. G . R i c h a r d s o n , M r. J . M a c G r a n t h i n . SECTION 5. .22 PIST OL SHOOTING. A proposal by Middlesex : ";That the Allied Bowl Individual Pistol Competition be run on the same lines as the News of the World Individual Competition," was dropped. 3 5 . M r. H u g h e s , o n b e h a l f o f M i d d l e s e x , m o v e d : " T h a t a s m a l l Advisory Committee be set up to advise on matters relating to .22 pistol shooting." The Secretary replied that the Council would probably be ready to support the appointment of an Advisory Committee for .22 pistol shooting The recommendation was eventually approved. 36. It was further proposed by Mr. Hughes : " That the S.M.R.C. endeavour to secure approval for pistol shooting up to 50 metres on existing ranges." This was duly seconded and approved. Spking, 1946. SECTION 6. GENERAL MA TTERS. 37. Mr. Gentleman proposed the following motion appearing in name of D e v o n s h i r e : " T h a t n o w t h e m e m b e r s h i p o f t h e S . M . R . C . i s m a k i n g such rapid strides it would be advisable to divide Britain into zones or a r e a s a n d h a v e a c o m m i t t e e i n e a c h t o d e a l w i t h l o c a l m a t t e r s a s w e l l a s someone appointed to visit clubs and give advice on any points that might arise as personal contact docs much more than correspondence." ' This was supported by Mr. Rogers and carried as a recommendation to the Council. Mr. Cornish remarked that it could very well be dealt with on similar lines of co-operation as those of the Home Counties. 38. The next item, under the name of Hampshire, was : " To initiate discussion, and recommendations on the subjects improved and greater supplies of .22 ammunition and rifles," and Mr. Traies stated the case f o r . 2 2 a m m u n i t i o n . The Secretary asked if it was the feeling of the meeting that only those brands of ammunition available on the ground shall be used in the Society's open meetings. It was a matter for them to consider and advise upon. This point evoked some discussion during which the feeling was, strongly expressed that it'would be unfair to penalise any competitor who had specially " saved " ammunition of a good quality for the competition and had been looking forward to being able to use it. 39. It was agreed to recommend that there be no change in the regulations as far as the use of ammunition was concerned, at the forthcoming meetings The next matter to be considered was the dates and venues of open prize meetings. 40. It was decided to recommend that the Scottish (Victory) Meeting be held in Edinburgh on 17th to 22nd June. Grateful appreciation of the kind co-operation and assistance of the City of Edinburgh was warmly expressed. Reference was made to the fact that an excellent range, conveniently accessible, had been secured at Eairmilehead for the period of the meeting. The Council's proposal that the National Meeting be held on 7th to 14th September at Ham and Petersham was warmly supported. 41. With regard to the international matches, the Secretary pointed out that the Canadians were anxious to participate in the Dewar. It was recommended that this postal event be revived in 1946, the team for Great Britain to shoot at Ham and Petersham on Sunday, 15th September, following upon the conclusion of the National Meeting. "There was some discussion in view of a proposal by Devonshire, " That Advisory Committee meetings are held quarterly in different parts of the country." Mr. Gentleman considered it unnecessary to have quarterly meetings ; one main meeting a year was quite sufficient. Mr. Staniforth, who was in the chair at this stage, said personally he was in agreement with that. 42. Mr. Gilbert proposed that there should be two Advisory Committee meetings in the year, one in Scotland when the Scottish open meeting was h e l d , a n d o n e i n O c t o b e r i n L o n d o n . This was seconded by Mr. Fuller and became the unanimous finding of the meeting. . T h e C h a i r m a n r u l e d o u t o f o r d e r t h e f o l l o w i n g m o t i o n p r o p o s e d by Devonshire : " That the scope of this Committee be broadened to take i n a l l m a t t e r s i n c o n n e c t i o n w i t h t h e S . M . R . C . " 43. Under any other competent business, Mr. Proudfoot proposed that in connection with the News of the World British championship in future there should be one set of cards. On this motion being seconded by Mr. Gentleman, it was put to the meeting and agreed. 4 4 . T h e f o l l o w i n g r e c o m m e n d a t i o n m o v e d b y M r. Tr a i e s , Wa r w i c k , I s e c o n d e d b y M r. M a c G r a n t h i n , w a s c a r r i e d : — " T h a t t h e W a r - t i m e League rule be revived to allow postal matches to be shot at any time during the period for the completion of the match, except where the S.M.R.C. or opponents wish to send a special witness when the match shall be shot within two hours." 45. Mr. Gentleman raised the question of reviving various Scottish competitions and it was pointed out that there was some difficulty in ascertaining'the location of trophies competed for in 1939. It was eventually remitted to Mr. T. Walker, Mr. P. Gentleman and Mr. J. MacGranthin to investigate the whole question of those missing Scottish trophies. 46. Mr. Gilbert raised the matter of trading grants, and the Secretary I said he was authorised by the Council to announce the fact that the pre-war trading grants headquarters used to award the County Associations or their clubs trading with the Society would be revived at the rate of ; 2 per cent and within a total limit of £25 per annum. ' T h i s w a s r e c e i v e d w i t h a c c l a m a t i o n . For the CounciVs decisions see page 7. The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks to Messrs. Findlay and Staniforth for presiding over the meeting. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKSpring, 1946. T H E R I F L E M A N The COUNCIL met on 13th MARCH, 1946, and considered the foregoing recommendations Nos. 1 to 46 a enumerated in bold figures. With the following exceptions all others were accepted as printed ;— No. 5. The amendment paragraph was altered to read " by adding a dotted outer ring to^surround each of the 10 targets on the 25 yards range card." No. 7. Amend the last paragraph to read ; " In competitions restricted to Veterans, competitors must have attained the age of 60 on or before the closing date of entry." No. 12. In tlie last line delete the word " t|ualified " and substitute the word " e.xpcricnced." Nos. 22, 23 and 24. Were approved and referred to the Executive Committee for necessary information and action. No. 2S. Accepted with the last two lines deleted (after word " made "). No. 29. Accepted with the deletion of all words after " 25 Vards Winter League." No. 31. Reported that the Chairman and the Executive had already done this. No. 32. Consideration was deferred until next meeting of the Council. No. 33. It was decided not to continue Efficiency Badge tests after the year 1946, but to concentrate on the Marksman Badge tests. No. 34. Consideration deferred to next meeting of the Council. No. 35. Agreed and Col. G. Gould. D.S.O.. was appointed Chairman with authority to recommend names for the .22 Pistol Shooting Advisory Committee. At the same time it was unanimously agreed to accept the request of the N.R..A. for the S.M.R.C. to take over- the administration of .22 pistol competitions as from 30th September, 1946, including those run by the N.R..A. up to that date. No. 36. Referred to the consideration of the .22 pistol .Advisory Committee when appointed. N o . 3 7 . D e f e r r e d f o r f u r t h e r c o n s i d e r a t i o n . No. 3S. The Chairman reported the Executive's concern and action. No. 39. Decided to revert to the old rule of the use only of brands of ammunition available to all competitors. No. 40. The dates and venues of the two Open Prize Meetings in 1946 were approved and confirmed. No. 41. Approved that the team of twenty at 50 and 100 yards to represent Britain in the Dewar match this year be selected by the appropriate committee, to shoot their cards at Ham a n d P e t e r s h a m o n S u n d a y, 1 5 t h S e p t e m b e r, 1 9 4 6 . T h a t invitations to join in the match be issued to other countries prescribed in the conditions and that for Canada the Dominion of Canada S.B.R..A. be invited to organise the team for this year. N o . 4 3 . I t w a s d e c i d e d t o r e f e r t h i s r e c o m m e n d a t i o n t o t h e d o n o r s of the trophy and prizes. The Council desire to place on record their thanks to the Committees of the County Associ^itions and to their representatives and those of the Council who attended the S.M.R.C. Advisory Committee meeting in Edinburgh on 23rd February, 1946. Junior Summer Competition, 1946 T o t h e w i n n i n g t e a m i n t h e M a j o r S e c t i o n : T o t h e w i n n i n g t e a m i n t h e M i n o r S e c t i o n : T H E M R S . E . B . C A I R O C H A L L E N G E C U P " T H E H A R V E Y H A D D E N " C H A L L E N G E T R O P H Y. N o . 2 The following prizes will be awarded to each section :—^Winning team, 4 Medals. Second team, 4 Medals. THE "LORD DERBY" CHALLENGE ROSE BOWL will be awarded to the Sea Cadet Corps team with the highest score. IN TWO SECTIONS MAJOR SECTION :—Open to teams of four under 18 years of age. MINOR SECTION :—Open to teams of four under 15 years of age. Teams to be drawn from Companies or smaller units of the Army Cadet Force, Sea Cadet Corps, J.T.C., A.T.C., and other Cadet Corps, School Corps, Lads Brigades, Boy Scouts, Rifle Clubs, and any other approved organisation afSliated to the S.M.R.C. The attachment of any official junior training unit to an affiliated Rifle Club for .22 shooting practice is equivalent to affiliation for these competitors. More than one team from each body may be entered if desired. A Competitor may only shoot in one section and in one team. The date of birth of each competitor must be written on one of his cards. To be shot at either 15. 20 or 25 yards, not later than 31st July. Ages of competitors to be reckoned up to and including closing date of entry, 24th June. AND THE H.R.H. The Duke of Connaught's Challenge Shield Competition Open to Troops of Boy Scouts affiliated to the Boy Scouts' Association. IN TWO SECTIONS SENIOR SECTION :—Teams of four Scouts or Rover Scouts not holding warrant rank and under the age of 25 yams. JUNIOR SECTION :—Teams under the age of 15 years. PRIZES SENIOR.SECTION | JUNIOR SECTION Winning team :—The Challenge Shield and 4 Silver Medals.' * j • Winning team :—The Challenge Shield and 4 Silver Medals. S e c o n d t e a m : — 4 B r o n z e M e d a l s . S e c o n d t e a m : — 4 B r o n z e M e d a l s . Teams of Boy Scouts in Great Britain and Northern Ireland will be eligiblefor prizes in the S.M.R.C. Junior Summer Competition on the same cards, but they must conform to the age regulations of that competition. The age of the competitors must be written on the cards. Units affiliated to the S.M.R.C. other than Boy Scouts Troops may not compete for the Duke of Connaught's Challenge Shield and Prizes. D i s t a n c e e i t h e r 1 5 , 2 0 o r 2 5 y a r d s . F u l l c o n d i t i o n s o n a p p l i c a t i o n . E n t r a n c e F e e , 2 s . 6 d . p e r t e a m . E n t r i e s c l o s e 2 4 t h J u n e , 1 9 4 6 . WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKNext >