THE NELSON PRIZE FIRING.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 1, Issue 68, 2 March 1880, Page 2

THE NELSON PRIZE FIRING.

[by telegraph.] Rifle Camp, Brightwater, March 1

The members of the Rifle Assciation, together with all the local companies mustered for church parade yesterday, and attended tho Episcopalian Church this morning. All the members arrived in camp at about 10 o’clock, and the morning has been occupied by the men getting into quarters. At 2 o’clock there will bo parade; at 3.30 first match will he commenced. The arrangements for firing are completed, tho ranges being almost the same as last year, but it is -probable longer time will be taken in marking the shots on account of altering the butts, with a view to increasing the protect'd! for the markers. Colonel Packc is is command, MajorM'Loan camp adjutant, whilst Capt. Webb is acting as secretary, Mr Stevens being unable to attend. 8 p.m.

There was a parade at Brightwater between two and three, when IVI members were present. At half past two Colonel fFacko came on the ground, and shortly after the meeting was opened by MrS Pitt, wife of Major Pitt., firing the first shot, which was scored asabull’seyo. Tho lady having been cheered and the men divided into 12 squads, actual business commenced. Prior to this, however, the markers had expressed some dissatisfaction, alleging that the butts did not sufficiently protect them. Upon this some alterations were made, but shortly after firing commenced, one of the markers received a nasty cut on the arm by a splinter off t.he target. Shortly after tiring commenced, a fire occurred in tho camp. It appears the occupants of a tent, composed of Wellington and Napier men, under the command of Lieut. Bennett, had been smoking their sights at a candle which they left burning. This immediately communicated with the bedding, which, in addition to tranks containing private effects, and dress uniforms, wore destroyed. The tent, however, was saved, as also some hundred rounds of ammunition. The scores made at the 200 yards range of the first match were : Okejq Taranaki ... ... ... 27 Paynter, Stoke ... ... ... 27 Crossman, Nelson ... ... 26 Rogers, Blenheim ... ... 26 Achoson, Riverton ... ... 26 Capt. Kelly, Thames ... ... 26 McKenzie, Blenheim ... ... 26 Fenton, Thames ... ... ... 26 Morris, Oamaru ... ... ... 26 Coventry, Dunedin ... ... 25 Smith, Dunedin ... ... ... 25 Dc Farges, Marion ... ... 25 Purnell, Wanganui ... ... 25 D. MTutosh, Wanganui... ... 25 Moore, Nelson ..; ... ... 25 Armstrong, Thames ... ... 25 Bennett, Nelson ... ... ... 25 Clouston, Nelson... ... ... 25 Quarter-Master Fox, Christchurch 25 Lieut. Bennett, Wellington ... 25 Lieut. Somerville, Wanganui ... 25 Beach, Stoke ... ... ... 25 Milne, Wanganui... ... ... 25 Weir, Thames ... 25 Menzies, Kaiwarra ... ... 25 Buckley, Christchurch ... ... 25 Christie, Taieri ... ... ... 25 Capt. Wilson, Dunedin ... ... 24 Lieut. Applebjq Christchurch ... 24 Capt. Homes, Waikato ... ... 24 Denk, Thames ... ... ... 24 Sergt. Clark, Thames ... ... 24 Monk, Wellington ... ... 24

Parker, Stoke ... ... ... 24 Thurston, Waiuku ... ... 24 Bird, Nelson ... ... ... 24 Hunter, Nelson ... ... ... 24 Parola, Thames ... ... ... 24 Cummings, Wanganui ... ... 24 Richardson, Dunedin North ... 24 Hoskins, Taranaki ... ... 24 llloker, Taranaki ... ... 24 Fowler, Nelson ... ... ... 24 Hutcheson, Dunedin ... ... 24 Prouse, senior, Wellington ... 24 Capt. Thompson, Kaiwarra ... 24 D. Burns, Nelson ... ... 24