Reception of the Rifle and Carbine Champions. Auckland, March 23,

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 95, 28 March 1885, Page 3

Reception of the Rifle and Carbine Champions. Auckland, March 23,

Ik accordance with [a general order, a number of members of the several Volunteer companies in Auckland mustered at the Drill-shed at 9 a.m. to-day, for the purpose of welcoming back Lieutenant Lucas, of the Thames Rifle Rangers, rifle champion of the Colony, and Gunner Parslow, of the A Battery Artillery, who has been successful in carrying off the Carbine Championship. The Artillery mustered 40 strong, under Captain Payne, Lieutenants Nome and Geddes, and Dr Tennent. They had one of their guns with them, drawn by grey horses, while the tumbril was gaily decorated with flags, it being intended to seat the champions thereon. The Hobsons, Victorias, and City Guards, who fell in together, mustered about forty rank and file, and there were also small musters of the Auckland and Devonport Naval Artillery. The following officers of these corps were present : —Captains Dignan, Isaacs, Leßoy and Fenton, Lieuts. Skinner, Selfe, Bennett, Clifton, Parker, and Smith, and Dr. Evans. The Garrison Band, under the command of Bandmaster Morris, mustered about twenty strong. Major Shepherd, officer commanding the district, was in command. The s.s. Rotomahana, which had left Gisborne at 10 o'clock yesterday morning, was expected to arrive with the shootists at the same hour this morning ; but owing to the rough weather she was not signalled till close on 11 o'clock, and through this unexpected delay many Volunteers who otherwise would have turned out were absent. Shortly after eleven the bugle sounded the "Assembly " and "column of companies " having been formed, the men were marched to the wharf to the inspiriting strains of " Adonis "by the Garrison Band. At the wharf a hollow square was formed, and as the steamer came alongside, and it was noticed that the competitors were drawn up under the command of Captain Mahon. Hearty cheers were given by the spectators, the cheers being taken up by the Volunteers, and ior a few seconds there was one discordant^ though sincere yell of welcome. The Rotomahana having been safely moored, the band played "See the Conquering Hero Comes," and the competitors marched off on to the wharf, the leading file being the champions, who wore their champion belts. They marched into the centre of the square, where His Worship the Mayor, Colonel Fraser, Mayor of Thames and M.H.R. for the Thames Electorate, Mr Hurst, M.H.R., Mr Thompson, M.H.R., Mr Philips, Town Clerk, Major Shepherd, and other gentlemen were waiting to receive them. Ilia Worship the Mayor, addressing the Rifle Champion, said : Lieutenant Lucas, on behalf of the citizens of Auckland and your comrades, I welcome you back to Auckland, and congratulate you on the result of the competition. I trust that you will be spared to take part in many such competitions. (Cheers). His Worship then addressed Gunner Parslow in similar terms. Colonol Fraser, M.H.R., said : On behalf of the people of the Thames, who in a measure claim both of you as pupils of theirs, I welcome you, and congratulate you on your brilliant victory. Captain Mahon mentioned that the Auckland and Thames competitors had brought back all the trophies but ono. Major Shepherd then stepped forward, and having shaken handa with both competitors, said a few kindly words of welcome and congratulation. Further cheers were given, and the column being reformed, the champions were placed side by side on the tumbril of the gun, and the march back to town was commenced, the band awakening the echoes with the strains of the grand old "British Grenadiers." Thousands of people witnessed the pageant, and many of the leading business houses were gaily decorated with bunting Not the least pleasing portion of the reception were the countless fair faces at the windows along the line of march, and the vigorous fluttering of dainty pieces of cambric and lace held by fair fingers. The men were dismissed at the Drill-shed. The champions and the volunteer officers, at the invitation of the Mayor, proceeded to the City Council Chambers, where champagne flowed and congratulatory speeches were delivered.