VOLUNTEER PRIZE FIRING.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume III, Issue 236, 25 May 1881, Page 2

VOLUNTEER PRIZE FIRING.

Pcitsi'ANT to announcement the J>lenheim Rifle Volunteers assembled at the Vernon Butts yesterday for the purpose of firing for prizes given by the Company and by various citizens. The day was beautifully clear but unfortunately there was a strong breeze blowing which seriously interfered with the shooting. In spite of this, however, the scores as a whole were good, Lieut. Rogers, the top scorer, putting together 71 out of a possible 80. The present was the final competition for the Company's gold medal, the aggregates of the five highest scorers being, up to yesterday : —Sergeant Griffiths 125: Lieut. Rogers, 122 ; Corporal E. Maddock, 122 ; Sergeant Turner, 121 ; Private D. Wemyss, 120. The following are the scores made yesterday together with the prizes awarded :

The remainder were all under 37. PRIZES. Lieut. Rogers—Gold medal, silver medal and Marlborough Times Cup. Sergt. Griffiths—Bronze medal, and Cup given by Mr G. D. Mason. Sergt. Turner—Opera glass, by Captain Robinson. Priv. Wemyss—Overcoat, by Messrs Paul and Co. Corpl. E. Maddoek—RockingJ chair and book, by Messrs Fell and Co., and Mr Dobson. Priv. McKenzie —Half-dozen table knives by Messrs Sharp and Pickering. Capt. Robinson—soo bricks, by Mr Vercoe. Priv. McEhvain —Trousers and vest, by Messrs McDowell Bros. Priv. James—Pair boots, by Healy and Son. Priv. Carr—Felt hat and water flask, by Messrs Parker Bros., and Peat and Thornton. Priv. Andrews—Pig and half-dozen wine, by Messrs Draper and Farmar. Priv. Clark —Dress hat, by Messrs Girling and Co. Priv. Bright—Sheep and half-dozen wine by Messrs McKenzie and Farmar. Priv. Hickman—Mysterious parcel, by G. C. Carter. 'Priv. Frccth—Pair boots, by B. S Penney. Priv. Robinson—Winsey dress, by J. M. Hutcheson. Priv. May—Cruet, by E. Purser. Corpl. Bytliell—Half-year’s hair cutting and two books, by M. Hennessey. Priv. Verry—Meerschaum pipe, by Mr Tucker. Priv. Ching—lib powder and bag of shot by \V. Evans. Priv. Hunter—Half-cord firewood, by Messrs Earll and McKenzie. Priv. Curnow—Cleaning rod, by F. C. Litchfield. RANGE PRIZES.

200 yards-—-Turner Ist, Rogers 2nd ; 400 yards—Rogers Ist, Griffiths 2nd ; 500 yards—Rogers Ist, McElwain 2nd ; 000 yards—Griffiths Ist, Rogers 2nd. The dinner was held at Casey’s Hotel in the evening when a considerable number sat down to the excellent repast provided

by Host Priddle. Captain Robinson occupied the chair, supported by Lieut. Rogers and Sergeant Griffiths. After full justice had been done to the eatables the usual loyal toasts were duly honored. In responding to the toast of “ The Army, Navy and Volunteers, ” Lieut, Rogers alluded to the unfortunnte illuess of the senior officer, Lieut Carey, and expressed deep regret that he was thus prevented from taking part in the proceedings. He also pointed out that the day was one which should be strictly devoted to loyalty, and it was thus the proper day for Volunteers to celebrate. He was sorry that other institutions had this year selected the same day upon which to assemble, and that this had the eflect of keeping a number away that evening. It was only lately that tin’s r.ndesirablo feature had crept in, and he trusted all would do their utmost to thwart anything of the kind in future. Song—Mr W. Griffiths. Captain Robinson proposed “ The Gold Medallist, Lieut. Rogers.” The present was the first occasion upon which the medal had become the absolute property of its winner, and he regretted they had now to part with it permanently. Lieut. Rogers had, however, earned the medal as well as ever a man had won anything. He believed lie had been the highest scorer at prize-fir-ing on three out of every five occasions during the last three yen's, and was the best shot of the Company. He had won the medal now upon two occasions and he trusted lie would wear it for many years as a member of the Company. It was for the Company to decide whether they would have a medal or belt in the future. For himself he preferred a belt as ho did not see where Lieut. Rogers would lie able to place any more medals. Song—Sergeant Griffiths. Lieut. Rogers said it was gratifying to him to see the traveller returned to the bosom of his family. He had won the medal on the first occasion it was ofl’ered, and then felt he wassomethinglike a father to it. On the second trial, however, it was snatched away from him by Mr Hood, but it had now returned to his possession to stay there. He had plenty of room for more medals but would favor the idea of a belt, though it needed mature consideration as towhethcritshouldbeapermanenttravelleror not. Thcro ought to bo some prospect held out of winning it altogether. Medals were getting rather common, however, and it would be almost better to award badges instead.

Song—Sergeant Turner. Captain Robinson proposed the health of the “ prizetakers” in a humorous speech. He pointed out that the seven highest scorers were those who had gone to the Nelson meeting and that the three highest made the best shooting for the company there. Sergeant Turner in fact made the highest score at Nelson that had ever been made in New Zealand. Song—Mr W. Griffiths. Sergeant Griffiths responded on behalf of the prizetakers. Col. Sergt. Dobh proposed the health of the Prize Committee, coupled with the name of Sergeant Turner, and in doing so paid a high compliment to that gentleman for the energetic manner in which he had canvassed for prizes and assisted in arranging the details of the match. Song—Mr Watson. Tho toast was responded to by Sergeant Turner, after which “The Now commisioned Officers ” was proposed by Captain Robinson, and responded to by Mr Dobh. Corporal Maddock proposed the health of the Register-keeper and markers, coupled with the name of Mr W. Griffiths who he could confidently say was as a Register keeper equal to any they had had in Nelson. Mr W. Griffiths and Mr .1. Crossley responded. Sergeant Griffiths proposed the toast of the New Zealand Rifle Association” which was responded to by Lieut. Rogers as a member of its executive Committee.

Sergeant Griffiths proposed the “ Press ” coupled with the name of Mr W. H. Smith of the Marlborough Times. He was not going to pass strictures upon a certain local print of which they had heard so much lately and which was unrepresented that evening, but would only say they were greatly indebted to tho Times not only for the manner in which it attended to volunteer and other interests, but also for the Cup which had been presented|by its proprietor, Mr John Tait, as the first prize. Mr W. H. Smith briefly thanked the Company for the cordial manner in which the toast had been received, after which the toast of “The Ladies” was proposed by Lieutenant Rogers. Sergeant Griffiths proposed the health of Captain Robinson in a speech expressive of the heartv esteem in which he was held by all.

Captain Robinson having responded, the health of Host Priddle was given and and responded to and the proceedings concluded with the National Anthem.

Lieut. Rogers SCOKFS. o' ... 17 | 20 8 is 8 | Hi... 71 Sorgt. Criffiths ... Hi 19 14 17... 00 Sorgt. Turner ... IS 17 Hi 15...(i(i Priv. Wemyss ... 15 Hi 15 Hi...02 Corpl. Maddock ... l(j 19 14 11...00 Pnv. McKenzie ... Hi IS 13 12...59 Ciipfc. Robinson ... It IS 11 14...57 Priv. McKhvaiu ... Hi S 17 15... 50 ,, James ... 14 13 Hi 12... 55 ,, Carr ... 15 15 11 12...53 ,, Andrews ... It 13 Hi 9...52 ,, Clark ... 13 13 11 14...51 Bright ... Hi 15 5 12...51 ,, Hickman ... 11 14 11 11...50 ,, Prccth ... 15 13 12 10...50 ,, Robinson ... 15 14 12 7...4S May ... Hi 12 4 14...40 Corpl. Bythell ... 12 10 12 7...41 Priv. Verry ... 13 7 13 7...40 ,, Ching ... 11 15 10 2...3S ,, Hunter ... 12 15 (i 4... 87