Thanks Gentlemen. I see I didn't mention it was in .303

The auction is at the Wellington (NZ) Antique Arms Assn - catalog here: http://www.nzaaawgtn.org.nz/a12lots.asp

The lot I'm considering is #1550

As the lots are generally well described I don't think it is a rifle that passed through an english makers hands - they would have stamped it.

I do suspect that it is a sporterized military action as Kudue points out.