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Blenheim Farmer Gunned 'Em Down

A keen eye and calm nerves contributed to John Dodson's fine win in the Nelson Rifle Association district championship at Thorndale. This was the first time Dodson, a Blenheim farmer, had competed in the event, and using his new 7.62mm rifle he claimed the championship belt from a host of top riflemen.

A shifting wind on the second day of the shoot made conditions tricky but not too tricky for the in-form Dodson. Included among the prominent marksmen were four members of the New Zealand team which competed in Australia in 1950, Bert Paynter (Blenheim), Ray Tantrum (Nelson), and Len Hutchison and Jack Keoghan (Westport). Also here were members of the 1967 national team, Colin Thorn (Sydenham) and Wally Oakley (Canterbury) of the Malvern club.

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How's this for calm nerves? John Dodson relaxes before the final shoot

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The champ - John Dodson

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Her nickname is Annie Oakley. Her real name is Mrs Wally Oakley, wife of the international rifleman from the Malvern club, Canterbury

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Veteran Nelson shooter, Joe Gibbs, well muffled

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On the mound at the 500 yard range. Nearest camera is Bob Jansen, Nelson

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Paul Brereton, Nelson, gives his old .303 a clean

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"Where did that one go?" asks Vic Percy, Dunedin

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"That should have been a central." Wally Oakley has a peek

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Scorers and officials on the job

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The finer aspects of the 7.62mm are discussed by Joff Kroening (with rifle), Ron Winter and Len Hutchison

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Members of the 1950 New Zealand team to Australia, Bert Paynter, Len Hutchison, Ray Tantrum and Jack Keoghan

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Colin Thorn and Wally Oakley were in the 1967 New Zealand team to England and Canada. At the Nelson shoot they both scored 387

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As the afternoon wore on shooters began to look weary. Defending champion Bert Paynter is standing nearest camera

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