THE CHAMPION RIFLE BELT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 4980, 9 March 1877, Page 3

THE CHAMPION RIFLE BELT.

Hokitika, March 4. , ' s The presentation of prizes to the winners ia the Colonial Prize Firing i took place in the i Volunteer Hall. There was,'a large gathering-.' > The prizes were ■ presented :> by Mrs.. Bonar amidst loud cheering for champions Paynter and McLean, and, local shots. 1 A meeting e£ , representatives was held .afterwards in the Empire Hotel, when a number of resolutions were passed, for transmission to the Govern-,';. ment. Captain Murray, of the Thames, was ~>r in the chair. The first resolution expressed--great satisfaction at the manner in which Col. Pender and .staff discharged their duties, and especially with the services > of the staff secretary Stevens. The second resolution was that the Government be recommended to secure a central and permanent range, as the expense of making new ranges annu&ily was & ’ heavy item, which might be devoted to an increase of the prize money. This resolution was' . supported by the Westland representatives.; .It :■ was also recommended that ;no prizes,, cx-, 1 cept the range prizes, be less than £5 ; that the champions should be Government reprc- , ..t sentatives, without competition ;and that the o present* qualification.of competitors be. cob« tinned.. It was further reconupended.j,th'»t council or committee be appointed to make arrangements for the colonial meetings, consisting of a president, with one district officer and company officer in each island.