…targets were erected at ‘a splendid range which is let to them rent free by its generous owner, Mr. W. Laidlay.’…

‘An enthusiastic meeting of the residents of the Arthurs Creek district was held in the Hazelglen Hall on Saturday, March 24, 1900 for the purpose of forming a rifle club.’ The meeting was convened by G. J. Apted and chaired by J. Herbert, J.P.

Rifle clubs received encouragement from the Government at the time of the Boer War to increase proficiency in rifle shooting. 14 members were sworn in at the initial meeting. Additional members were sworn in at the next meeting, completing the number required to form a new club. G.J. Apted was elected Captain, E.C. Nash Secretary and C.J. Verso Treasurer.

Targets were erected at ‘a splendid range which is let to them rent free by its generous owner, Mr. W. Laidlay.’ In April 1900 there were 47 members. The club’s range was formally opened on Saturday 29 September 1900 by E. H. Cameron M.L.A. Councillor J. Herbert J.P. thanked Mr. Cameron on behalf of the Club. Visitors included Vice-President, Councillor C. Draper, J.P. An opening concert and ball was held in the Hazelglen Hall on Tuesday 2 October 1900. ‘The programme being of an appropriate patriotic and military nature, met with a hearty and enthusiastic reception, nearly every item carrying an encore’.

At the annual prize meeting held on Wednesday 30 October 1901 ‘prizes won during the past year were presented to the winners by Miss Creighton, daughter of the President of the Club’. The Draper Gold Medal, presented by Charles Draper, Esq. for first prize was won by D.J. Murphy. The silver medal for second prize presented by C. Creighton was won by W. Hempel. The Sargood Trophy, .303 rifle, presented by Sir F.T. Sargood, was won by Jas. T. Murphy. The second division silver medal was won by M. Bassett.