§ 51. Marksmanship and merit prizes. 1. To encourage marksmanship, the governor is authorized to offer annually:

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a. a state decoration to those who shall excel in small arms practice;

b. a prize not exceeding three hundred dollars in value, for competition among the units of the New York national guard and the New York naval militia armed with the rifle;

c. a prize not exceeding one hundred dollars in value for competition among the units armed with the rifle (1) not forming part of or attached to a brigade or division of the New York army national guard; (2) of each brigade and division of the New York army national guard; (3) of the New York air national guard and (4) of the New York naval militia.

2. The governor may also offer annually three prizes of the value of one hundred dollars, seventy-five dollars and fifty dollars, respectively, to be awarded to the three companies or corresponding units of the organized militia having the highest general figure of merit (1) in organizations not forming part of or attached to a brigade or division of the New York army national guard; (2) in each brigade or division of the New York army national guard; (3) in the New York air national guard; and (4) in the New York naval militia.

3. The governor may also in his discretion provide suitable decorations and prizes for proficiency in practice with other small arms and with light and heavy weapons.

4. All such prizes and decorations shall be competed for under regulations issued pursuant to this chapter.