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RIFLE ASSOCIATION, HK
One of the local sporting associations which has had a chequered career due to recurrent lapsing of enthusiasm but nevertheless has a fairly old history, is the Hongkong Rifle Association, at present (like the H.K. Rifle League of more recent years) merged in the Rifle Club which was formed a few years ago. Unfortunately, few records exist of the original body, which must have come into being in the early Eighties, but there is definite information available of the reorganised Association which was established about 1885.
It must be borne in mind, of course, that the Hongkong Volunteers held rifle meetings practically at their inception, but it must have been some years before anybody thought of forming a distinct body for the promotion of musketry competitions.
The earliest record of a fairly full nature is contained in the Hongkong Telegraph in April, 1887, which reports:
"A general meeting of the members of the Hongkong Rifle Association was held on the 25th inst. at the Hongkong Hotel. Colonel Anderson presided and the following gentlemen were present: Hon. P. Ryrie, Messrs. E.L. Woodin, A. Woolley, E. Osborne, J. Grant, G. Tomlin and Capt. Burnie. The chairman stated that the accounts showed a credit balance of $58, but there were still two outstanding debts - one of $558.11 due to the Hongkong and Whampoa Dock Co. for targets, and the other amounting to $70 to Messrs. Danby and Leigh for making the range. After some conversation in reference to the election of a President and a committee, the following gentlemen, proposed by Mr. Woolley and seconded by Mr. Tomlin, were elected to fill the vacancies on the Working Committee,
"On the proposal of Mr. Osborne, seconded by Mr. Woodin, the whole of the members of the Working Committee were re-elected. Before the meeting dispersed the Chairman proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Osborne for the efficient manner in which he had carried on the work of the Association during Mr. Woolley's absence, which Mr. Woodin seconded, and this was unanimously carried. A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the meeting."
The following is the report: "The Working Committee beg to lay before members the annexed statement of the year ending 31st December, 1886, showing a credit balance of $58. This account does not include the following items which are still unpaid, viz: Hongkong and Whampoa Dock Company for 16 targets, $558.11 and balance of bill for making range $70, duly certified by Messrs. Danby and Leigh, which will have to be defrayed by the subscriptions for the current year.
"The first prize meeting was held on the 24th and 26th of April, and the second on the 11th December,
"The Association is now affiliated with the National Rifle Association, who have forwarded a Silver Medal to be competed for as usual,
"Mr. A.B. Woolley having returned to the Colony, resumes the duties of Hon. Sec. and Treasurer from this date. Edward Osborne, Hon. Sec. and Treasurer."