Historical information
Cec, Curtis was a member of the Orbost Rifle Club. He was a cycle trader with a business in Lind Lane, Orbost.
The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's.
Significance
Target shooting is one of the oldest organised sports in Australia. Records date back to the British Marines at Sydney Cove in 1788. The Victorian Rifle Association (VRA) was formed in 1860.
One of the most important adjuncts to the militia system from 1903 to the re-organisation of 1912 was the role played by the Rifle Club movement in Australia. At the time, these clubs were seen as the reservoir of manpower for a potential guerrilla force should any invasion occur. For Australia, the invasion fear was uppermost in the minds of the population.
So important were the rifle clubs for the defence of Australia that the Commonwealth provided the training staff, rifles and ammunition so the clubs could function. Members were drilled, wore uniforms and practised all the basic skills of soldiering as well as target shooting. The Orbost Rifle Club was active during this period
Physical description
A light blue covered book with a bright red spine. It contains hand-written records of the shooters who were members of the Orbost Rifle Club. Inside are seven letter heads of CED. CURTIS - 9 LIND ST ORBOST and a newspaper cutting ( date unknown).
