N. Z. RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 50, 28 February 1881, Page 2

N. Z. RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

A large number of persons were in attendance at the Botanical Reserve on Saturday afternoon, and thoroughly enjoyed th» musical treat provided by the members of the Wellington Naval Brigade Band, who arrived by the Murray in the morning. The programme selected was an excellent one, and its performance was much admired, the exquisite blending of the instruments, none of which were Buffered to overpower the others being the subject of general remark and much favorable comment. Yesterday morning the volunteers paraded at the Drill Shed, the whole of the local; corps, in Bddition to tbevisitorß, being present, the Waimea Hides appearing for the first time in their new helmets. From the Drill Shed they marched preceded t»y the Wellington Band, which played with great sweetness, to Christ Church where the service was read by the Incumbent, the Rev J. Leighton, and the Bishop of Nelson preached an appropriate sermon from the text "Fight the good fight nf faith." After service the men marched back to the Shed, the Band playiDg a beautiful march founded upon the air of the Song of the Israelites " To thee great Lord of all" in the oratorio ''Moses in Egypt." This rnorniog the representatives proceeded to Brijjhtwater by the 9 30 train to commence filing this afternoon. After the welcome ruin on Saturday night the temperature is much more pleasant and there is every prospect of beautiful weather during

the week.. It is intended to push forward the firing with all possible expedition with a view to bringing it to a close on Saturday, and we are , requested by Major Baillie to state that the prizes will be presented in the Botanical Reserve on Monday, it possible, and if not, on Tuesday. Tub Camp, 2 p.m. Those representatives who had not tlready taken up their quarters at Brightwater, accompanied by the officer in charge and members of the Staff, arrived here at 1015 this morning, and immediately began to settle themselves it their respective quarters. The encampment this year does not preaent such a picturesque appearance as it has done on previous occasions, in consequence of there being but very few. tenla available, nearly all being in use at the Waimate Plains. The meo, however, have all, with the exception of those who have taken lodgings in the neighborhood, been comfortably quartered in the few tents obtained from Chriatchurch, and in the wooden huts erected last year. The Staff this year has been considerably reduced, Major Baillie, the officer in charge, being assisted by only Captains Webb of Nelson, Colemauof Wellington, and Wildman of the Thames. The rain which fell on Saturday night and yesterday morning has proved most acceptable, as the thick duat which before prevailed has now been laid, and the ground generally appears much refreshed. Everything is being arranged for the meeting to commence immediately after the arrival of the 2'30 p.m. train from Nelson, and the first shot will be fired by Mrs Dodson, the wife of the Mayor of Nelson, at 3 p in. 3 14 p.m. At 2.30 the assembly souilded and the representatives fell in, having been divided into firitig squads. Upon the arrival of the train from Nelson they ftfefe marched to the firing ground headed by the Wellington ! Naval Brigade Band, and upon arrival at the range, O key, the Rifle Champion of 1880, j sighted a riflo and Mrs Dodson fired the firat phot whibh hsullfed in a bull's efc Major Baillie then thanked Mrs Dodaon and three cheers were given for her, the Band playing the National Anthem. The meeting was then declared open by Major Baillie, and the firing at the firat range of the first match began. The weather is splendid and there is a large attendance .