10 MARCH 1906, Page 3

Major Seely, at a rifle club luncheon last Saturday, read

a letter from Mr. Haldane declaring that rifle clubs are a part of our military machinery to which "we at the War Office attach much importance, and think that we are likely to attach in the future still more. They stimulate," he went on, "and improve a vital function iu national defence, that of marksmanship, and I hope that a definite place in the work of organisation may be found for them." This is the most encouraging thing ever said on high official authority in regard to rifle clubs. At the same time, we trust that nothing will be done to impair their elasticity and voluntary character. What they chiefly need are ranges and some provision under which ammunition, both full and miniature, can be obtained at a low price.