ARRIVAL of the HINEMOA.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 56, 6 March 1877, Page 2

ARRIVAL of the HINEMOA.

RECEPTION Ol? THE CHAMPION. In accordance with the notice given by the officer commanding the district, the volunteers began to assemble about 10 o'clock on the gun being fired from the signal station announcing the near approach of the Hinemoa with the colonial representatives. Considering tbat it was a very inconvenient time of the day for those engaged in business, the muster was a very good one, comprising all the City Companies and the Stoke Rifles, of which Lieutenant Paynter, the winuer of the champion belt, is in command. Unfortunately the Volunteers did not reach the wharf until a few minutes after the steamer was moored, but on arriving they were drawn up on the outer T, and on Paynter and M'Lean (the carbine champion) appearing on deck wearing their belts, they greeted them with three hearty cheers. The two champions then landed, and Paynter was immediately seized by two brawny members of bis Company, hoisted on their shoulders, and carried in triumph down the wharf, two of the Artillery Company appropriating M'Lean in a similar manner, the Band playing, " See the Conquering Hero comes," and the crowd of bystanders cheering loudly. Arrived on the road, M'Lean was seated on the limber of one of the guns, aud Paynter in an open carriage, which was in waiting for him procession then formed in the following order : — Artillery Band, Gun and limber with Corporal M'Lean seated on the latter between two Artillerymen, City Rifles, Stoke Rifles, various Cadet Companies, citizens in carriages and on foot. On reaching the Government grounds the Volunteers were drawn up in three sides of a square, and Mr Curtis, accompanied by Colonel Reader, having arrived, the two Champions were called into the centre, and Mr Curtis addressed them as follows:— Lieut. Paynter— l have been asked to say a few words of welcome to you on your return, apd to congratulate you on the very high position you have taken jn the recent firing at Hokitika. I can assure you that the: people of Nelson regard your success with a considerable amount of gratification and feel no small degree of pride iv the

s uccess achieved by one of their representatives, this feeling of pride and gratification being enhanced by the splendid shooting made by you in the North and South Island Match which was sufficient proof that your winning the Champion Belt was not a mere accident or a flash in the pau, but was owing to the complete and efficient mastery you have gained over your weapon. Many people were of opinion that upon the abolition of the provinces all competition between the settlers in various parts would cease, and I remember hearing one distinguished member of the Assembly say that he hoped the people would learn to forget that they belonged to Auckland, or Wellington, or Nelson, or any other province, and regard themselves only as New Zealanders. I do not at all agree with him. I like to seethe peopl.e take a pride in that district 'to which they belong and feel gratified and pleased when one of theirown number distinguishes himself, for such competition, I believe to be exceedingly healthy and productive of good results. I can assure you that Nelson takes a very great pride in your achievements, and in the name of the people of this provincial district I again offer you my hearty congratulations. Turning to the Carbine Champion, Mr Curtis said :— Mr M'Lean— l also desire to congratulate you upon the position you have gained. lam not so well versed in the details of your performances, as my attention has been rivetted upon Paynter, but I am quite sure that there is no jealousy entertained towards you in Nelson, but that we all sincerely congratulate you upon your triumph, although it is not our owu. Mr Curtis then called for three cheers for Lieutenaut Paynter, and three more for Mr M'Lean, both of which invitations were warmly responded to. Captain Pitt said he should like also to congratulate the Carbine Champion. One of the members of his Company (Sergt. Kissel) had been a competitor for the Belt together with Mr M'Lean, but he was quite sure that he did not in any way begrudge him his well earned success. He then called for three more cheers for Mr M'Lean, which were warmly given, and the parade was then dismissed. The following are the prizes won by Lieut. Paynter:— Champion Belt, gold medal, Challenge Cup, and Snider rifle, in addition to the money prizes, which were — Championship, £40; First Match, 3rd prize £6, range prize at 400 yards £2; Third Match, 6th prize £3; Fourth Match, 3rd prize £6; Sixth Match, Ist prize £10, range prize at 500 yards £2; First Extra Match, Ist prize, £7; North and South Island Match, highest scorer, £5 ;— total, £81. The only other prizes taken by Nelson men were:— Third Carbine Match, 4th prize £2, Kissel; First Extra Rifle Match, sth prize £2, Sunley.

The West Coast Times, of yesterday describes the presentation of prizes which took place on Saturday as follows:— The Drill Shed is furnished with a convenience or inconvenience, according to the requirements, in the shape of a stage which is commonly used in dramatic performances. Tables were placed upon it, and upon the tables were placed the prizes — champion belts, silver cups, Snider rifles, and envelopes containing cheques, for the cashing of which the Staff Secretary, Mr Steveus, had made arrangements with the Bank of New Zealand. The Representatives and the first Westland Rifles were formed in square, and in single or double file, fronting the stage to which each prize winner went as his name was called, according to the order of the matches in which they competed. All the officers of the staff were present, with the exception of Major Stapp, whose absence in consequence of the sudden death of his wife, has been -much regretted by his fellow-officers both on account of the sad loss which he had suffered, and of the loss which they suffered by being deprived of his genial companionship. All the preparations for the ' presentation had been carefully made by Mr Stevens, and Colonel Reader "presided." At his invitation, Mrs Bonar attended and presented the prizes to each of the successful competitors as they came forward to receive their wellwon honors and emoluments. It was an agreeable duty, gracefully discharged. Military men are not supposed to be stage managers, otherwise the position of the prize - winners when they were presented with their prizes might bave been different. The stage rule is that all actors should front the spectators, but it happened that this detail in dramatic effect was overlooked. ' It was of the less consequence as the backs of those who were prizewinners, and not actors, were turned towards friends, and not enemies, except those who are inimical to everything in which they are not prominent participators.. The presentation was necessarily a simple formal proceeding, enlivened by a little of Colonel Reader's quiet humor, and Mrs Bonar's happy remarks when occasion suggested that complimentary remark might be made, It was undemonstrative except when the champions had their belts placed over their shoulders, or their medjils pinned on to their breasts, or when the winners of cups or of several prizes returned to the ranks. Lieutenant Paynter and Volunteer M'Lean were loudly cheered as they received their prizes, ahd local pride was similarly expressed when Volunteer Stonebridge made his appearance among the prize-winners. .At the conclusion, Colonel Reader thanked Mrs Bonar, for whom three cheers were given by the representatives and all present. Cheers for the Colonel himself, for the Rifle Champion, and for the Carbine Champion, followed in quick succession, and having heard such interesting items of information that cheques could be at once cashed at the Bank, and that their departure was fixed for eleven o'clock on the following day, the representatives were dismissed.