The Ballinger Belt

The oldest sports trophy in New Zealand, the Ballinger Belt, the symbol of the utmost prowess in rifle shooting, owes its existence to a member of the Club. A Wellington family, the Ballingers, were among the prime movers in the formation of the Club, and foundation members. From 1879 to 1907 the N.Z. Rifle Championship was won by one or other of two brothers Ballinger on five occasions. In 1873 Government donated for annual competition a black leather belt with a silver-ornamented cartridge pouch supported by a shoulder strap.

It was won in 1893 by Arthur Ballinger who won it twice more, the third occasion in 1907 when, under the rules, he was entitled to retain it. The belt was then thirty-four years old, already a venerable trophy. Arthur donated it to the National Rifle Association for perpetual competition. As the "Ballinger Belt" it has been put around the shoulders of every National Champion to this day. The Ballingers were keen supporters of the Volunteer Forces. Whilst Arthur's wins in 1893 and 1897 occurred during his membership of the Wellington Guards he was at that time an active member of the Petone Club.

"The Belt' has been held by the Club on nine occasions: 1893, 1897, and 1907 - Arthur Ballinger; 1895 - W.H. Ballinger; 1931 - W.J. Mclver; 1932 and 1934 R.H. Nicholl; 1972 - J. Hand (as runner-up to Australian J. Cooper); 1989 - K. Meade.