RIFLE MATCHES.

Evening Post, Issue 69, 29 April 1865, Page 3

RIFLE MATCHES.

A most gratifying display of public interest in the Volunteer movement (says the Otago Times") was made on Saturday afternoon ; when, in the Exhibition Building, and in presence of from 600 to 700 spectators, Mrs. Harris, the wife of the Superintendent of the province, presented to the winners in the recent rifle contests, the prizes given by the Provincial Government, and by the Otago Rifle Association. Representatives of all the corps in Dunedin and its neighbourhood (we believe), assembled In front of the Custom House between two and three o'clock. Headed by the band of the Port Chalmers corps, of which some 5o members were present, under the command of Lieut. Robertson, the body marched through Princesstreet, the Octagon, George-street, Hanoverstreet, and Cumberland-street to the rear of the building ; Capt. and Adjutant Graham being in command. In the yard devoted to to the display of wire-fencing, permanent ways for railroads, &c, arms were piled ; and the Volunteers then passed through the corridor to the central ball. There they were formed, the Naval Brigade in front of the canopied dais, and the Artillery on the left ; the cadet corps of the High School, who still carried their arms, subsequently marching in and taking position partly in front and partly to the left On the dais, there were three chairs ; while in front of it was a table on which was the Challenge Cup, presented to the Association, by Mr. W. Mason, M.H.R., two rifles, a medal, and numerous envelopes containing the money prizes. The band played the National Apthem ; and the Honourable Major Richardson, Postmaster-General, entered, escorting Mrs. Harris and Mis. Richtwho took seats on the dais. OTjßichardson occupied the chair, and fa-an address. Mrs. Harris distriWB prizes given by the Provincial fifent. Before the presentation of the pdal, Major Richardson said he must Itulate the province that the Council ken to themselves the privilege of en.

couraging and rewarding merit on such an occasion. This provincial gold medal was one of the highest orders of merit that could be attained by the Volunteers. The mention of Lieut. Stavely's name, when the winners were called to the front, was received with hfsses from some of the Volunteers, and there were several signs of disapprobation. When the lieutenant subsequently advanced, and Mrs. Harris was affixing the medal, Private Spratt, of the Wakari Rangers, came up to the table, and said — I have to protest, Sir, against this prize being awarded, on the ground of incorrect scoring. I am the winner of the match. Major Richardson : You should have made your protest before. Private Spratt : I did, Sir. Adjutant Graham : The protest has been made, Sir, and has been decided. In calling forward Private Spratt to receive the second prize for this match, Major liichardson said that although he had the pleasure of naming Lieut. Stavely as the winner of the medal, he had equal pleasure in calling Private Spratt too as the second prize-man ; and he, hoped that whoever occupied his post next year would have the pleasure of congratulating Spratt as the winner of the medal. Private Spratt : I must decline to accept the second prize, sir. — Major Richardson : Oh ! do not do that ; that cannot help you. Private Spratt : I cannot accept this prize, Sir, I won the medal. The remainder of the prizes having been •distributed, hearty thanks were voted to Mrs. Harris and Mrs. Richmond, and " three cheers for the Major ; " the National Anthem was then played, and the proceedings terminated.