The Sun.
London, England, 1863-03-05 00:00:00

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all 40 associations, are now in connection with the
National Rifle Association. This matter is of con-
siderable importance, because it proves generally
that the public have full confidence in th- r'ile re-
gulations and arrangements of the Association,
have consequently adopted those rules which have
been made here, and which I hope are now becom-
ing the law of the land about rifle associations.
(Cheers.) The shooting, about which some of you
know better than I can have time to do, has been
very progressive, and I may give the instance of a
Wimbledon competitor who, in 1,100 yards, made
seven butls' Eves consecutively. But not to speak of
particular instances, the rifle shooting on the whole
has been satisfactory, because there are often acci-
dents, and it is only such shooting as proves that
pains and trouble have been taken that can be
considered real good shooting. I think that the
general favour and respect which the rules and re-
gulations laid down by the Association have gained
prove that they have been well considered. Some of
them may perhaps require amendment or modifica-
tion, but generally they have been so thoroughly
well laid down in principle that the practice has been
found correct, useful, and progressively improving.
This a matter of great congratulation, the more so
when we recollect that rifle shooting is one of the
most modern pursuits in which we have been en-
gaged. At the same time it has been carried on on
the Continent, especially in Switzerland; but such
has been our success that we have really put our
foreign friends out of the field. (Cheers.) They
really cannot compete with us. It is a farther proof
of the correctness of our rules that the principles
which originally emanated from our association ere
those now generally adopted, not only here, but I
may say in every part of the world. (Cheers.)
There is another matter I will refer to. We have
to congratulate ourselves on this occasion on having
the Prince of Wales as the patron of this association.
(Loud cheers.) I think you will all agree with me
that it is a compliment which we highly appreciate,
not alone from the exalted position of the Prince of
Wales, but because it is a proof that the national
feeling, which has originated spontaneously, and
the feeling and wishes of the country are responded
to from the highest quarters of the State—(cheers)
—are responded to not only by those in office, but
from the Throne ; for we can assume that the fact
of the Prince of Wales becoming our patron is a
proof that her Majesty takes the liveliest interest
in the National Rifle Association. (Cheers.) Ido
not know that I have anything further to add ex-
cept this one remark. Last year a discussion took
place as to how the Queen's prize is to be shot for.
Her Majesty feels most desirous that the rules and
regulations laid down originally by her late illus-
trious Consort, who took the greatest pains and
trouble in going into the question of what rules
should be laid down, should be in no way infringed
upon, I hope that that fact alone will make it
unnecessary to go into any discussion as to a change
of these rules. They were discussed last year, and
I hope that discussion will not be continued.
(Cheers.) His royal highness was concluding by
requesting Gen. Eyre to move the first resolution,
when
Lord ELCHO said that, before the business of the
meeting was proceeded with, he wished again to
ask his Royal Highness, in the name of the associa-
tion, to continue president for another year. It might
be thought strange in the vice-president of an asso-
making a motion in violation of its rules, but there
were some rules more honoured in the breach than
in, the observance. It was in contemplation to re-
vise some of the rules of the association, but in the
meantime he thought the whole association would
unanimously agree to the nomination he made.
(Loud cheers.)
The Duke of CAMBRIDGE intimated his acqui-
escence. At the same time it was a general rule, of
which he had experienced the value, that rules
should be adhered to, and he trusted that revision,
which was necessary, would speedily be carried out.
In the meantime he would be highly gratified if
his presence at their meetings (he was sorry it could
not be more frequent) was found to be of advan-
tage. (Cheers.)
Captain TEMPLAR said if alteration was to be
made, now was the time. He wished a resolution
to be made allowing a larger share to the Enfield
rifle in the competition for prizes. The resolution
was to allow the Enfield to be used at all competi-
tions, where not expressly excluded by the donor,
and that such an allowance should be made in its
favour as would make its coming into competition
with other rifles a fair one. There was a general
impression about the Enfield rifle not being a good
one, but he thought it was quite a different weapon
from the small bore rifle, and since it was more
suitable for the rank and file of volunteers, the use
of it ought not to be discouraged by other weapons
more delicate, and not so rough and ready, being
brought into competition with it. He believed the
Enfield was popular with volunteers, and if the
council should give them long ranges at Wim-
bledon with something like a fair handicap, they
would be able to demonstrate its great uses.
Lord ELCIIO said if he might be allowed he would
second the resolution, since Capt. Templar, without
any concert with them, had anticipated a resolution
the council had come to at a late meeting :—" That
the principle of weighing small bore rifles so as to
equalise the shooting with the regulation long
Enfield be adopted, but that the question of the
ap-
plication of the principle, both as regards prizes and
marks, be considered at a future meeting of the
council." He might add that at the next competi-
tion for the Queen's prize they had resolved to
admit 60 competitors, all of whom would have at
least a prize of £5 each with a badge, and the first
30 would have besides a rifle worth £l5. Lord
Elcho also stated, in reply to a question, that the
Enfield would only be admitted to competition
under 600 yards.
In reply to a question from Lord Ranelagh, Lord
Enceto stated that he expected the expenses of the
association would increase annually with their
prosperity. In reply to some observations by
another gentleman, he said that any change in the
shooting regulations must come from Hythe. To
ensure fairness and obviate complaints that had been
made, the ammunition issued with rifles would be
the same as the ammunition issued at Hythe. For
this year the ammunition would be the same as was
issued for 1862. Further, the competition at
Wimbledon would take place on 6th July instead of
2d July, as last year, which would have been found
I very inconvenient. They would have fixed it even
later in the month on account of the weather, but
this could not be done on account of General Hay's
attendance on the Hythe courses.
Lord WHARNCLIFFE made some suggestions
about good shots being handicapped, humorously
complaining of Anchorites who made rifle shooting
their study, carrying off all their prizes.
Lord ELCHO said, without entering into the moot
question of Epicurean or Anchorite, he would state
that the council had had under consideration (but
had come to no resolution) the question of handi-
[ good shots,but it would obviate a great
capping
many objections that the shooting for most of the
Prizes would be continued over a number of days.
Lord BURY recommended Captain Templar not to
press his resolution, seeing it could only be put as
an amendment, and it had been anticipated by the
proceedings of the council.
Captain TEMPLAR, in deference to the opinion of
the meeting, withdrew his resolution.
The report was then adopted.
The CHAIRMAN said he was in an awkward posi-
tion, because of remarks having been made which he
was not prepared to endorse, and which he might
yet be held to have endorsed if he allowed them to
pass without comment. He referred to the use of
the Enfield rifle. In his official capacity he was
obliged to take into consideration the economic
question, which he did not intend here to discuss
publicly ; but as far as he was concerned he was per-
fectly satisfied
With the Enfield rifle for the gene-

scie ~nuoting ; by such rilLe - zro.eting at
Wimbledon would be made more acceptable ms d,
ogreeable, snd as generally useful as possible.
(Cheers.)
General EYRE moved that the vice-presidents be
re-elected, and that Earl Cowper,
Gladstone, and 02neral Sir John Burgoyne be
added to the number.
The resolution wis unanimously eh reed to.
The ordinery and extraordinary members of coun-
cil were then re-elected.
Some further conversation followed as to the
small-bore competition, and the rules to be followed
at the competitions, in which his Royal Highness
again repeated his suggestions about the lung En-
field, so as to give a larger area to competitors; and
backed a, recommendation of Sir Richard O'Don-
nell, from Western Australia, that in all competi-
tions where the Enfield was allowed with other
rifles, it should have a separate prize if unsuccessful
in the main competitions.
Sir JOHN BURGOYNE then moved a vote of
thanks to his royal highness for his conduct in the
chair. (Cheers.)
The Earl of 1).“,110USIE seconded the motion,
thanking his '•r mess especially for his en-
couragement to competition with the long Enfipld.
(Cheers.)
The Duke of CAMBRIDGE expressed his gratigrA74
tion with the vote. His object in attending their
meeting was to keep up that harmonious and
united feeling which they all desired to maintain,
and which he hoped would be maintained at all
meetings over which he had the honour to preside.
He would only add that the views he had thrown
out on some points were entirely his own, and it
was not to be considered that the council was in
any way pledged to them. The good feeling with
which they had been received was personally gra-
tifying, and he trusted they would aid in extending
the usefulness of the National Rifle Association.
'Cheers.)
The meeting then separated.