Score book

James Freeman (Jim) Ryle was Ryle was a ‘tuckpointer’ by trade, and a senior officer of the Loyal Orangemen Institute. He was an accomplished shooter who represented WA in the state team in 1910 and 1926. He was a long time Captain of the Perth Rifle Club, chair of the NRA of WA and state representative on the Commonwealth Council of Rifle Associations (now the National Rifle Association of Australia). He was also an outspoken advocate for the rifle shooting in WA becoming the secretary of a Vigilance Committee. Vigilance Committees were frequently formed in pre WW1 communities to advocate for and take action on community issues where Governments were seen to be lacking. The Vigilance Committee formed in 1912 for metropolitan rifle clubs sought to convince Commonwealth politicians and the Defence department to improve the support for clubs. A particular cause was to retain access to the Karrakatta rifle range. The Commonwealth wanted rifle clubs to move to a new range at Swanbourne (called Osborne in those days). The metropolitan clubs objected because the new range was not then suitable, and it meant a long walk from the railway station for shooters carrying their equipment over sand dunes. Other issues included an apparent inequity with the support the Commonwealth gave to other states. The WA committee complained about a lack of railway passes for practice, annual supply of flannelette, mineral jelly and rifle oil.

Jim Ryle incurred the displeasure of Sir George Pearce, the Minister for Defence, by making the complaints public and by threatening to mobilise votes against him at the next election.

In 1913, Ryle was charged under the Defence Act (which regulated rifle clubs) with a breach of the military regulations concerning the unapproved communication with the “West Australian” for political purposes. Ryle was suspended from all duties pertaining to rifle shooting while a military board of inquiry was held. The key evidence was a circular to rifle clubs published in the newspaper from Vigilance committee critical of the defence authorities. The circular was signed by Ryle as Secretary. In his defence, Ryle claimed he had not conveyed the information to the "West Australian," nor had he any knowledge that it was intended to make it public property in that manner.

The Inquiry’s report agreed with Ryle and the State Commandant lifted Ryle’s suspension. The Ryle led campaign succeeded with the Defence Department later improving their support to rifle clubs in WA.