LEVIN DEFENCE RIFLE CLUB.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 17 June 1911, Page 2

LEVIN DEFENCE RIFLE CLUB.

ANNUAL SOCIAL AND DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES.

The annual distribution of prizes in connection, with the Levin Defence Rifle Club took place last evening in the Town Hall, 'tllie proceedings forming a social and dance. There was a large gathering, <uid dancing was indulged in with enthusiasm uiiitil the early hours of this morning. The arrangements in ado by the commiittee were admirable." Many-willing hands had helped in making a splendid floor, while decorations on the stage _and : amiss tho hall added to the gaiety of the scene. The M.'s C., Messrs .1. Rutherford and P. Jones, carried out their duties most efficiently. Mr W. R. Ingram's work, as secretary, contributed very materially to the success that was achieved. Music of a tasteful nature was provided by Mr J. Kearsley. After the light fantastic had been indulged in with gusto, the Mayor, at 10.45, in presenting the awards, said that it was a great pleasure for him to do so, and, proceeding to refer to tlie new .military training regulations, dealt with the objections to tlhem. He maintained -that the new regulations were in a right direction, and, among other things, said that he was a firm believer in the development of the physiquo of the rising generation of this colony. Tt was about time they increased the stamina and supplemented the present discipline of the boys. He was sure the new regulations would! be a success, a.nd that the development of the physif|uc of tho people of this colony would not only secure its protection, but add to the gemoral wellbeing of the Empire. The people of this country had a. right to make protection for tho_ security of the dominion; and in doing What they were they were carrying out an imperial obligation, and he never knew a New Zealander' wbb was either ashamed or afraid of discharging ln's duties as a .member of tho British Empire. The Mayor went on to inculcate the duties of the people to the Empire, and said that he hoped in the Territorial camps, lectures would he given, impressing upon the youth not merely the virtue of manliness, but the responsibility that a world-wide Emire entailed. He passed a mildi criticism upon colonials in the way of adherence to military service, but declaired that he did not doubt their loyalty to the Monarch a.nd Empire, and finally expressed! tho hope that the Levin Defence Rifle Club would not only prosper, but contribute to the general prosperity of such institutions throughout the dominion. (Cheers). < The Mayor then gave away the prizes as follows:—Levin Defence Rifle Club's championship belt and. gold .medal, won by Rifleman P. Jones; G. P. Buller's cup, won by Rifleman J. Rutherford; Captain G. P. Brown's trophy, won by Rifleman H. C. Ingram; J. W. Gibson's trophy, won bv Rifleman W. R. Ingram ; Rifleman W. R. Ingram's trophy, won. by Rifleman J. Rutherford,; R.ifleman P. Jones' trophy, won by Rifleman W. R. Ingram; Veich and Allan's trophy, won bv Rifleman P. Jones: Haswell Bros, trophy, won bv Rifleman H. C. Ingram; F. W. Pink's trophy, won bv Rifleman J. Rutherford: C. Frechling's trophy, won by Rifleman J. Rutherford": TL R. Gardener's trophy, won by Rifleman P. Jones: R. Wall's troplw, won bv Rifleman P. Jones; "G. Milne's trophy, won by Rifleman P. Jones; Rifleman J. Rutherford's tro.phv, won by J. Munro. Rifleman L. Ingram was the runner up for the chamnionship belt. The gathering was of an extremely pleasant nature, and interest'was enhanced by, an excellent programme of songs. A capital supper was served by Mr P. O. Smith ,and the proceedings were an unqualified, success. - - , ' • .