The question of rifle ranges , occupied almost the whole of
Tuesday's sitting in the House of Lords. Lord Raglan set forth the difficulties encountered in procuring suitable ranges, owing to the increasing range of the rifle and the enhanced demands of proprietors. Of the sum voted in 1897, £75,000 had already been allotted, and when the ranges were completed every headquarters of every corps would have within reasonable reach an efficient range. With regard to civilian rifle clubs, we are glad to note that Lord Raglan held, in opposition to the view of Lord Spencer and the Marquis of Granby, that if carefully watched, they would not interfere with recruiting for Volunteers. Lord Tweed- mouth contributed some interesting particulars as to the use of covered ranges on the house-tops, and Lord Lansdowne mentioned that the collapse of the London County Council scheme was probably due to misapprehension, which he hoped might yet be removed, and, in conclusion, he assured Lord Spencer that if he would introduce a Bill to give local authorities facilities for acquiring ranges, it would meet with a favourable reception.
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