Although not so wel] attended as in former years, the annual general meeting of the Shanghai Rifle Association at the S. V. C. Headquarters on Tuesday was notable for much instructive discussion of the question of small-bore shooting in Shanghai. _Mr. J. C. Bosustow, M.p.z.. pre siding in the absence of Mr. A. Brooke-Smith mentioned that Col. R. Marr Johnson also regretted that he could not be present at the meeting. In proposing the adoption of the accounts, Mr. Bosustow said that membership of the Association was steadily increasing. Last year there had been a nett increase of nine members and since the annual report was printed a further 12 had joined their ranks. Their financial position was quite sound, the year closing with a balance of $6,938.79 against the sum of $6,354.18 in December 1920. This satisfactory state of affairs was due to various individuals and hongs who, had very kindly and liberally subscribed towards prizes. The past year's shooting had been interesting and successful, the Chairman particularly laying stress on the outcome of the first annual match between the Association and the City of London Rifle Club, re-~ sulting in a victory for Shanghai. The result of all the team matches against London showed that the shooting in Shanghai was of a: very high standard.
The accounts having been passed, the meetings proceeded to elect the following officers for _1922-23:—Secretary and treasurer, Mr. A. M. Collaco. Members of the committee:—Mr. J. C. Bosustow, Q. M. S8._W. T. Rose, Mr. O. L. Libert, Mr. K. D. Chen, Mr. R. I. Ito and Mr. F._E. Hodges.
It was unanimously decided, in consideration of the fact that Mr. Collaco, the secretary and treasurer, had performed his duties in such a consistent and indefatigable manner since 1913, to increase the annual remuneration of this officer to $600.
Miniature Rance xp Crus Hovss.
Mr. H. Tobias opened a discussion on the possibility of a.22 range and at the same time running club house in conjunction with the proposed offshoot of the Association. Mr. Tobias pointed out thas they now had the use of a small hut on the rifle range, but it was quite inadequate for the needs of the members. In the club bungalow a small bar should be opened. There were surely sufficient funds to build a bungalow and he suggested that its site should be in the vicinity of the 200 yd. range.
Q. M. S. Rose vigorously opposed these suggestions. Dealing with the question of the club house, he said that as a member of the committee he felt it to be his duty to a certain extent to consider the funds. What would such a clubhouse cost? It was useless to carry out the undertaking unless it were done with due regard to the possible needs of the members. should not be too small. The clubhouse would, he thought, cost $2,500. Furnishing could be put at nothing under $1,500. Ground at at the Rifle Range was expensive, and they could not: ask the Council to give them the ground, for it already provided a range and ammunition. The running expenses ne estimated at as high as $2,500.
As for the miniature range, as far as he knew only three members possessed.22 rifles that, were worth calling by that name, and gave a formidable list of the difficulties attending such a venture.
Another speaker said the miniature range at the Volunteer headquarters was useless. They required outdoor practice and at longer range than 30 yd. Miniature rifle shooting could be done at one-sixth of the cost of full-bore shooting and' was admirable practice. With the introduction of small-bore shooting they could hold competitions in which ladies could be invited to enter.
Mr. Tobias declared that when suggesting the provision of a clubhouse he expected that the Council would give them the ground. After all, many members of the Volunteers belonged to the Association, which in a sense was almost a part of the S.V.C.
After further discussion it was decided to refer the matter of a clubhouse, the formation of a. miniature rifle club and the holding of an annual entertainment when prizes would be distributed, for consideration by the incoming committee. Members would be advised by circular of the conclusions reached on these matters and decide accordingly.
With the confirmation of by-laws recently drawn up, the meeting closed.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.