THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3091, 25 May 1881, Page 3

THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY.

The F. Battery Artillery Volunteers assembled at the gun-shed in the Shakespeare road, to the number of 45 of all ranks, at 9 a.m. yesterday, and, headed by the band, proceeded to Clive Square, where a royal salute was fired and the customary three cheers given for Her

After the salute tbe battery *vas marched ' { > cho beueu for its annual nhofc and shell prandoe (a target having been moored our i;; rfjc '"<y during the course of the morning , for that purpose, at a distance of aoout 1500 varda.) The competition for the prize given by the Government for Armstrong guns then took place, three detachments competing. The conditions were three rounds of sbot and three of shell each detachment. The firing, which was not above the average, resulted in No. 1 detachment (Sergeant Gilberd's) becoming the winner of the prize, scoring 22 points; No. 3 detachment (Corporal Parker's) being close up with 20 points, and No. 2 detachment (Sergeant Garry's) being completely out of it, making no points. The firing for the badge of cross cannons by the individual members of the battery was then gone through, each man having one rouad of shot and one of shell to fire. The coveted badge »eemed to inspire the men, for some really excellent shooting was made, and the result was that Gunner Simmonds was declared the winner with 16 points. The target, which was brought in from tbe bay this morning, was found to be quite shattered, several solid shots having gone through it, and the shells completely riddling it.

During the firing the Artillery Band played inspiriting airs, and a large number of the public was present. The battery was then refoimed and marched back to town, and after a short interval sat down to a substantial luncheon provided by host Barrows, of the Caledonian Hotel. There seemed to be no doabt as to the quality of the repast, for the good things disappeared with celerity and avidity. Captain Garner occupied the chair, supported on his right and left by Major Routledge and Lieut. Pell respectively. The health of the Queen and Royal Family was given from the chair, and it was drank most loyally and cordially. Captain Garner, in a few appropriate remarks, then presented Gunner Fulford with the cup which he bad won during the late competitions, and the presentation was greeted with cheers. It was then resolved that a challenge belt be procured for the battery, tbe fixing of the conditions for the firing for the same being deferred till later. The battery, feeling revived after tbe luncheon, then proceeded to Olive Square, where it was dismissed.

The staff present during the day were M?]or Routledge and Sergeants Nelson and Fox. Tbe Artillery were officered by Captain Garner and Lieut. Pell.