TELEGRAPHIC DESPATCHES.

Southland Times, Issue 945, 4 May 1868, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC DESPATCHES.

: — « : — . ■ , "Wellington, April 30. — The prizes for Government Volunteer firing were presented at noon in front of the Government Buildings, by Mis Stafford. After reading an appropriate address to the Volunteers, she invested Taylor with the belt, saying, " Sergeant Taylor, I congratulate you" on -the victory you have won, and through you the Volunteers of Otago, who have, in three successive con.testp, carried away, with honor, the Champion Belt." After two medals had been pinned to his breast, and other prizes handed to him, Mr Christie advanced towards Mrs Stafford, who said — " Ser^t. Christie, the late contest shows you have not forgotten the art which o-ained you the distinction of being the first Otago winner of the champion belt, and that he who competes with you in the future, must keep close to his work if he is to beat you." AIL the p/izes were then distributed, the cadets being the only additional parties addressed. Tbree cheers were then given for the Queen, the successful competitors, Mrs Stafford, and the Governor. All the Wellington Volunteers paraded. — The decision of the Manawatu Land Court divides the small block claimed equally between Brown and the claimants. 27 claimants get 5500 acres. The decision has disappointed all parties. Parakaia and his co-claimants are indignant, \ and haVe either applied, or threaten to apply, through Mr "Williams for a new hearing.— The Government gave a dinner to Volunteers last night, and the public' give one to-night. — The pending action between . Provincial Government and Panama Company about damage done to the wharf by 'the 1 s.s. Otago, last September, has been compromised by the Company paying £1000.