THE CHAMPION'S WELCOME.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 57, 7 March 1877, Page 2

THE CHAMPION'S WELCOME.

As it was generally felt that owing to the inconvenient hour at which the Hinemoa arrived yesterday morning, there was not such a demonstration as would have been the

case had Lieut. Payuter, the Rifle Champion* landed after business hours, it was determined to escort him to his home last night. Accordingly, at eight o'clock, there was a very large muster of the Volunteers who, headed by the members of the Fire Brigades to the number of about forty bearing lighted torches, and fche Artillery Band, marched to the railway station, where a special train had been engaged. So large a number of the public, however, had determined upon being participators in the evening's amusement that it was only possible to take a portion of the crowd at the time, ami Mr Asheroft determined tbat the train should, return immediately from Stoke and take out those who were left behind. In the first train were the larger portion of the Volunteers, the Band, and the members of the Fire Brigades, still carrying tlieir blazing torches, the effect of which was exceedingly pretty, and was rendered more so by the colored lights that were burued from time to time. These were answered from Bishopdale by Ll nc lights and a flight of rockets, which we're acknowledged by loud cheers from those in the train. Arrived at Stoke the Volunteers were marched on to the road, where they grounded arms and awaited the return of the train. from town, which took place in half an hour. The whole of the Volunteers then fell in and marched about half a mile along the road, the Baud playing " See the Conquering Hero comes," the torchbearers this time walking beside them and thus lighting up the whole scene. On nearing Lieut. Paynter's house the ranks were opened and faced inwards, and the Stoke Rifles marched between them, the Band playing "Home, Sweet Home," and three cheers for the Champion were called for .by Captain Marshall and given with a will, as were cheers for Captain Marshall and thevarious officers. The Volunteers were then formed in close columns and addressed by Lieut, Paynter, who said—" Brother Volunteers—l thank you very heartily for the welcome you have given me, and for turning out to see me thus far on my way home. On arriving at the wharf this moruiug I feared that my reception was going to be a cold oue, and felt almost sorry that I had put on my uniform, but I soon found thut I was wrong, and I can assure you that I felt very proud of the manner in which I was received, We had a very rough time of it in the camp, and when . the weather did not annoy us the sandflies and mosquitoes did, keeping us pretty lively. But I, at all events, have no cause to complain, for I have been most successful, aud 1 think I may say that that success is the more valued by me because I think it to some extent reflects credit ou the district in which I live. Once again 1 beg to thank' you very much for the kind and hearty reception you have accorded to me." On concluding, Lieut. Payuter was again loudly, cheered, and Captain Marshall then called for three cheers for the Fire Brigades, whom he thanked very sincerely for turning out so numerously, and by their friendly light enlivening the proceedings, which must butjfor their aid have been enveloped in darkness. The cheers were heartily giveu, and the Stoke Rifles then marched homewards, the Band playing " Auld Lang Syne." The Volunteers marched back to the Turf Hotel, where they piled arms and broke off for a short time, after which on the lights of the train returning from Nelson being seen iu the distance, they proceeded to the railway station, and thence, " packed like red herrings," as a juvenile in uniform expressed ifc, to Nelson, where they again fell in, and, headed by the Fire Brigades with their torches, marched to the Drill Shed aud were dismissed, after what all. and each of them must have felt was a most satisfactory demonstration, the success of which was mainly owing to the excellent manner in which tho arrangements were made by Capt. Marshall, aud carried out by him and the officers under him, and to the valuable assistance rendered by the Fire Brigades. The number of those who travelled by tlie train ou the occasion was over a thousand. .