DISTRICT NEWS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 26 March 1910, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

FIELD SHIELD PRESENTATION AT SHANNON.

SOME INTERESTING REMARKS. (Chronicled by our Resident Representative.) Tho Shannon Rifle Club held a verj , successful euchre party nnd <lanco on Thursday night, in the Druids' Hall. Mr AV. H. Field, M.i'., and Mrs Field, were present, also a. large nuinher of visitors from Wellington, Palmers ton N., and Wanganni. Sixtcrtn. tables were kept -coing at 10 o'clock. Tho successful players were Mr H. Law (gentlemen's prize) and, Mrs P. E. Ln-ngelan (ladies' prize). Much amusement was caused by Mr W. Shearman winning the "hoohy." At the conclusioin of cards, Captain G. N. Stephenson explained that the principal feature of the evening was Mr Field's presentation of tho "Field Shield," for which purpose Mr and Mrs Field had no doubt put themselves to considerable iiiconveniemce to be prosent. THE FIELD SHIELD. In presenting the shield, Mr Field, M.1 , ., explained that it was no inconvenience, but a pleasure, to him and Mrs Field to be present o nsuch siiii occasion. He spoke of the keen interest he had always taken in the rifle clubs of New Zealand, and stated that in his opinion it was the most <?cononn'eal mode of defence that the dominion had. He said tlwit it was not yet known how' the new Defence Act would affect rifle clubs, but he certainly thought that the riflemen of the dominion were entitled to better grants as regards ammunition, etc. At present it cost a member of a rifle- club at least »s a week. H-e was in favour of compulsory military training, inasmuch as it instilled a certain amount of discipline into the lad.s of New Zealand, which he considered very necessary. He stated that it was his rule on visiting any portion of his electorate to make himself acquainted with the wants of tluit particular place. He had, consequently, before coming to Shannon, wired to Sir Joseph Ward to find out something definite- about the post office, and was able to state that the matter was considered urgent, and that the grant did not expire until the 31st inst.; so no doubt something would be heard before long. MiField then presented medals to the team that fired for the shield, namely: Riflemen Sutton, E. Spencer, E. Law, J. Hallam, Goo. Woodmass, I'iehards, W. Shearman, IJ. Spencer and Couper. Captain Stephenson received the shield on behalf of the club, and i.n thanking Hi , Field, pointe dout how much rifle shooting had improved of recent years. He felt confident in saying that the winners of the shield next year would score at least twenty points more than this year. Mr Field, pointed out how much mainder of the club trophies. Hif-lein-an Shearman received a handsome pair of binoculars for the highest aggregate; E. J. S. Spencer, a leather rifle case; J. Hallam, a

rifleman's cnrrynll; and B. Spencer. a rending glass. Dancing wa.s then indulged in. Mr Mert Spencer officiated at the piano, and Captain Stephensoii performed the duties of M.C. A word of praise in dm* to Mrs G. N. Stephenson for the dainty supper that she provided. It is of interest to record that the Field Shield wns presented by Mr W. 11. Field, M.1 , ., for conii)etitiou among the rifle clubs in the --.iivi electorate. The coiulitioits are:--

Teams of ten men. to fire seven shots per man at 200, at 500 and at 000 vards. The first holders were the Haiitere Rifle Club (1909), amd the second holders Shannon (!!*.>.,. who competed for it on the '2'ind Jaiimry. at the Manawatu Mifle Afeeting, at Paliiierston North. The scores on that occasion ■being. , —

Hantere ... 817 Xitatiawa ..•• 8.')8 \\ hareroa . • fcLevin ... BDU Sliaiiuoiii scored 818, beating -nutere by one point.