After a bit of searching and looking the rifle over (and over and over) it looks like it has been fitted with the "dummy side plate" in place, However I'm not sure if it has been drilled & tapped as I haven't taken it out of the stock yet.

See bottom diagram on this page: http://mannlicherschoenauer.com/mannlicherfacts4.htm

Personally I think the side mounts are ugly and agricultural, but it may be the best option to get a scope mounted.

If I can find one in NZ...