CONCLUSION OF THE RIFLE ASSOCIATION MEETING.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1582, 15 March 1879, Page 3

CONCLUSION OF THE RIFLE ASSOCIATION MEETING.

[By Telegraph.] Nelson, March 14. The presentation of prizes took place this afternoon in the Botanical Gardens, where the local volunteers paraded with the representatives, under command of Major Lean. There was a large attendance. After the distribution of the money prizes, Volunteers Ballinger and Gordon, the rifle and carbine champions, were called forward, and Mrs Suter presented the belt to the former, congratulating him on having proved the best where all had been so unusually good, the scores this year having been higher than ever before. To Mr Gordon, she said it was a comfort to know that in our island home we bad such a competent Naval Brigade, composed of men of thorough determination, with steadiness of arm and eye. Major Baillie, on behalf of the Association, thanked Mrs Suter for presenting the prizes, and for her words of encouragement.

Captain Wilson, on behalf of the members of the Association then presented Mrs Pitt with the first bullet, which she had fired on opening the meeting, set in the centre of a very handsome gold brooeh. Cheers were then given for the champion, exchampion Paynter, and Mr Stevens, the secretary. Before dismissal cf parade, Colonel Packo, addressing his men, congratulated them on the success of the first meeting of the Association, which was beyond all expectation, and said no more suitable place than Nelson could be found in the colony, as there was an excellent range, beautiful country, kind and generous people, and a lovely climate. The conduct and discipline at the camp had been all that could be desired. He then called for three cheers for the Mayor and citizens of Nelson, which were given. Mr A. White, Mayor, returned thanks. The Southern men leave per Taiaroa, tomorrow, and the Northern, per Wellington, on Saturday. The following are winners of £5 and upwards :—W. Lai inger £4O ; Okey, £33 ; Gordon, <£32 ; Fenton, £ 8; Hutchinson, <£2B; Paynter, £23 ; Somerville, <£22; Purnell, <£22 ; Wilson, £2l; Coventry, £2l; Armstrong, £l9; Smith, £l6; Bowden, £ls ; Prouse, sen,, £ls; Reid, £ls { Willocks, £ls; Mapp, £l4; Coleman, £l4; Jack, £:3; McCartney, £l3; Monk, £11; Harding, £11; Christie, £11; Prouse, jun., £ll ; Ross, £10; Howell, Mills, Howse, Burns, Thomas, and Burr, £8 each ; Leigh, Richardson, Hood, Cropp, Judge, Turner. £7 each ; Skinner, Hunter. Laird, Kellar, £0 each; Sharland, McLeod. Bannister, Stevens, Norris, Nicholas, £5 each. There wo/o fiftyfour winners of smaller sums.