NELSON RIFLE MEETING.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1887, 11 March 1880, Page 3

NELSON RIFLE MEETING.

[By Telbgbafh.] RICHMOND, March 10. In the second contest of the tournament, squads of throe ride half a mile, jumping four fences ; on reaching the 100yds range the flank men dismount and fire five shots, remount and ride the remainder of the distance, jumping four fences ; dismount again and fire as many shots as possible. Time, 6mins. The winners are—Johnson, Walkington, and McLean (Wairoa), 36 centres, 14 outers; total points, 186. 2nd, Thurs* ton, Mussen, and Smith (Alexandra), 36 centres, 10 outers, 174 points. 3rd, Bomerville, Hoggie, and Laird (Alexandra), 33 centres, 13 outers; total, 171. The others are Aitken, Howie, and Thurston (Wairoa) ; total, 159. At the conclusion of the tournament there was a parade, and the prizes won at the meeting were distributed by Mrs Richmond, wife of Mr Richmond, M.H.R. Gold medals were presented to Ballinger, Lt. Gordon, Okey, and Thomas; Bilver ones to Hutchinson, Smith, Mapp, Purnell, Rogers, and Somerville; and bronze ones to Sutton, Jameson, Neil], Rule, Soper, Hood, Gee, each being presented with suitable remarks. The\mp for the North and South Island was presented to' the winners in thej rifle and carbine matches, cheers being given for the winners, after whioh Major Baillie, on behalf of the Volunteers attending the meeting, thanked the people of Nelson most sincerely for their welcome and reception. Colonel Packe said he found that the meeting had gone on without the loss of a single moment. The shooting was magnificent, and he complimented Okey on winning the rifle belt, remarking that four years ago, at Hokitika, he shot remarkably well. Three cheers were given for Colonel Packe, and other oheers for staff officers, and thanks having been returned the force waß dismissed, and the meeting declared at an end.

The following are the prinoipal prize-takers at the meeting :—Purnell (Wanganui), £46 and silver medal; Thomas (Thames), £45 10s, champion carbine belt and gold medal ; Okey (Taranaki) £4l, champion rifle belt and gold medal ; Paynter (Nelson), £36 and challenge cup ; Somerville (Wanganui), £3l, silver medal and carbine challenge cup; Rogers (Blenheim), £27 10s and silver medal ; Buckley (Ohristchurch), £24; Smith (Dunedin), £22.