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Patea Mail, 10 March 1881, Page 3

Mr Walter Johnston has been appointed Postraaster-General in the present Government, and has accepted the vacant office. Tliis will be gratifying- to Manawatu. This appointment is looked upon as a mark of weakness in the Ministry. Mr Johnston’s influence and ability are great; but it took him hours to consider whether he would accept the portfolio or not. RIFLE FIRING AT NELSON. Rifle Camp, March Bth. Match 15—Carbine Companies. 5 members from each Company. Ranges 200, 400, and 500 yards. Seven shots at each range. The first team of the Wellington Navals securing first place with a total of 457. The Thames Navals and Alexandra Cavalry tie for second place with 434, and will have to fire off. The winning team arc—A. Dixon 04, C. France 91, H, Dixon 90, Davy 89. The scores of the Thames Navals arc Gordon 93, Parslow and Armstrong 92, Thomas 80, Cameron 71. Alexandra Cavalry ( Wanganui) : D, Thurston 92, Perry 88, Laird 87, Sommerville 85, Stitt 82. Match 10.—Rifle Companies challenge match. Teams from companies of five members. Ranges 200, 400, 500, and 000. Seven shots per man at each range. Eleven teams competed. Highest scores are—Wanganui, 440 ; Waimea, 435 ; Nelson City, 432. Wellington was sixth, with 427.