CHAMPION RIFLE SHOT.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 171, 17 February 1914, Page 4

CHAMPION RIFLE SHOT.

Honored at Mercer*

The Military ar.d Citizens' Social held in the Town Hull, Mercer, in notour of Private T. Let, winner ot the Uille cbampioship of the Auck> land oistrlct, proved to be one of the most hrgely attended socials yet held in trie new hi 11. A most enjoyable evering was spent. The floor was in perfect oic'er and dancing was kept up un.il t:ie late hours ot the morning. Maiy territorials were pieecnt from ' Onewhcr.', Tuak.u, Lombay and Wairarsgi. Gieat creoit is due to the | committee for tr.eir work in making j it such a tig success, nothing bein-r, left undone for tne enjojment for ail present. The hall presented an animated a: d striking appearance, tastefully decorated with greens and flags and with tie territorials in their ui iforms with shining buttons. The scene was most attractive. Excellent music was supplied by the Huaily orchestra, and was freely commented on by all present. Lieutenant Ansell and Mr A. Smith carried tut the work of M's.C. in a very creditable manner. Mr G. Morgon, on behalf of the territorials and citizens cf Mercer, presented Private T. Lcc with a handeome rifle outfit as a Elight token of their esteem; also, on behait of the t-nitorials of Wairangi, Taniwha, and Mat hura with a cheque for £2 6s as a helping hand.

Mr Morgon, in his address, stated that Private Lee was the youngest cbampioo rifle shot of the Empire, and said the least we could do would be to send him to the rifle meeting at Trentham. When he came back the speaker sincerely trusted that Private Lee would not only be champion of the Auckland district but of New Zealand. Mr Morgon, on tehalf of citizens and fellow comrades, wished him every success. (Applause).

Private Lee thanked Mr Morgon for h\i kind remarks, also the citi zens and territorials for the valuable present. He said that he did not think he required all the praise for his shooting, as had he not carried cut the valuable instruclion given to him by Su-geant-Major Leech he could not have done as he had. Private Lee said he hoped that the people of Mercer would r.ot expect too much of him for his lirst trip to Trentham on the 28th of this month, but he would erdeavour to do his best for them. Lieutenant Ansel! congratulated Private Lee oa » his success, ar.d spoke in high terms of b'ergeantMajor Liech £8 one of the "beat of instructors. Lieutenant Ansell

called for three cheers for Private Lee and Sergeant-Major Leech, which

were heartily given

Sergeant-Major Leech thanked Private Lee and Lieutenant Ansell

for their kind worfs, but eaid that he did not deserve iias it was his work to do his best to instruct. He also said that by Private Lee winning the championship had done very much good in this area, and he could see an improvement in the shooting cf his own districts. The citizinj of Mercer were keenly disappointed that none of the commissioned rank cf the permanent staff were present. Apologies were read from Captain King, Captain Wallingford, Coluntl Cummings and Mr R. F. Bollard, MP. Songs were contributed throughout the eveniog by Messrs Seymour, Stanton and Guerney, Misses B. Wright and Doris Bush, and a sword dance by Miss Jessie Watts. Extras were played by Mrs Bu;h anc! Mra Valentine.

Supper was kindly provided gratis by Metsrs Morgon, Carter and Valentine and was in the capable hands of the Ladies' Committee.