EAST COAST MOUNTED RIFLES

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 927, 27 June 1903, Page 3

EAST COAST MOUNTED RIFLES

PRESENTATION OF PRIZES.

The East Coast Mounted Rifles met last evening in the Hrillsbed lor inspection by Major Winter. Upwards of 3U members weio in attendance. Alter being inspected „ne corps, heacied by the Guy Band, marched up Gladstone road ana back. On Leiurumg to the Dtilished, Major Winter called ou ike nou-cummissioueu officers to

take charge of the company, and stated mat in warfare it was necessary that noncommissioned officers should bo iully qualified to tuke charge of a Oumpany. It vvus necessary that they should not only ,mdy books, but that they should have practical work. Aner the mspection, Major Winter presented Lieut. Tombleson with tho Mafe kiim Cup. which be said bad been donated by Mr Shelton for the encuurugeinent of -booting. He congratulated Uib winner on the success achieved, and more especially for the reason ibat when ho entered the ranks he was not a very good shot, but by steady perseverance he had worked himself up tc; the present high state of proficiency. He hoped that other members would come along and win the Cup. Not that ho wished to see Lieut. TornbleSO n lose it, but he wanted to see keener competition amongst members of the Corps. Corpl. Hall was also presented with a clock given by My Image, of Matawhero. In the course of /the presentation Major

Wintor referred to the time given by the winner in practising shooting. Captain Colebourne, on behalf of the Company, presented Major Winter with a complete set of cutlery, enclosed in a pretty oaken case, bearing the inscription : “ To Major J. G. Winter, from the officers and members of the East Coast Mounted Rifles, June, 1903.” Major Winter, in responding, said he was completely taken by surprise. His enthusiasm in volunteering was the same now as ever it was. His whole heart was in volunteering and soldiering, and he hoped he would loDg be spared to command the battalion. He was sorry that he could not attend their last encampment, as other duties at Napier in connection with the battalion prevented him. He thanked the officers and members on behalf of Mrs Winter and himself, most sincerely for the handsome gift.