THE RIFLE CHAMPION. RECEPTION OF SERGEANT PARSLOW.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 356, 3 April 1889, Page 4

THE RIFLE CHAMPION. RECEPTION OF SERGEANT PARSLOW.

Auckland, March 29. ' An, immense ciowd, collected at the Railway Station ab 5.30 p.m. yesterday to " receive " the Colonial Rifle Champion, Sergeant Parslow, and his brother lepresentatives, oh, their return from Blenheim. The "reps" were expected to come into' the station by a special train, and the public turned their steps and their eyes in that direction; while the volunteers assembled, under Lieutenant-Colonel Shepherd, on the southern side of the station. The arrival of the nero of the hour, Sergeant Parslow, and the rest of the "*reps " was announced somewhat unexpectedly fco many, by the Garrison Band playing" in their very beat style " See, the Conquering Hero Comes." Tho3e who had been looking with anxious gaze up the railway line, and who had so far been unrewarded tor' their zeal, looked surprised, and then suddenly realised that they had a " back seat." Parslow and his comrades had arrived in town considerably earlier than was expected, and put in the time.in the best way they could till the appointed time came round, when they were punctually on hand. The much-admired champion was received by the volunteers, who had assembled in large numbers, with hearty cheers, and on getting into the hands ot his comjudct, of the " A '" Battery he was promptly put shoulder high by several stalwart volunteers and elevated to the gun-carriage, which was adorned with a conspicuous red flag bearing the words " Our Champion" m bold white letters. Parelow was adorned with the muchprized rifle-belt ana other honours won by his trusty weapon, and also by a gratified expression, indicative of the pleasure and pride he telt in his most recently acquired possessions. 'The Garrison Band then formed the head of a procession, which had for its most prominent feature Sergeant Parslow, seated on a gun carriage drawn by four grey horses, with two members of the " A" Battery aa postillions. Then followed the other " reps " seated in a drag, drawn by four bays, and behind this equippage followed the " A " Battery, under Captain Geddes, and a fair representation of other volunteer companies, the Victoria Rifles and Navals both having creditable musters. The procession proceeded up Queen-street at a lively pace, turned the corner at Wel-lesley-street East, and halted in front of the Municipal Buildings, where His Worship the Mayor was in waiting to welcome and congratulate " our champion.'" Mr Devore mounted the gun-carriage beside Sergeant Parslow, and spoke as follows : — Volunteers, ladies and gentlemen, — Two yeais ago, I recollect, I attended a similar gathering to welcome the champion rifle shot of New Zealand, Captain White. (Applause.) To-day lam present towelcome another champion in the person of Sergeant Parslow. Here he is. (Cheers.) Two years ago, you will recollect, there were two belts in New Zealand, one for carbine and another for rifle shooting. Now there is but one belt for the whole of New Zealand, and here it is. (Cheers.) ( This is the second time within three years that Auckland hafa won the Rifle Champion Belt of New Zealand. (Cheers. ) Auckland is always well to the front in rifle-shooting and all outdoor sports, and the large attendance of volunteers and other people here to-day to some extent support that assertion. The people of Auckland welcome the return of the champion rifle shot of New Zealand. We are proud that he has gained this great honour for himself and for the city that he represents. (Cheers.) Lieutenant-Colonel Shepherd intends to address the volunteers, and I'll now give him an opportunty to do so if you will first comply with the request to give ' ' three cheers for Parslow. " Cheers were given lustily, and the band played "See, the Conquering Hero Comes," while " the champion " bowed his acknowledgments. Lieutenant- Colonel Shepherd then addressed the volunteers as follows : — "Volunteers of Auckland: I am very proud indeed bo see that one of you ha 3 brought back the Champion Belt of the colony. There is not very much 1 can add to what has been said by His Worship the Mayor, but to you volunteers I wish to address a few words to show you how steadiness and perseverance in shooting will be rewarded. (Cheers.) I have known Parslow for a long time as a most keen shot. He has never missed any opportunities of practising, and the result is that, for the second time to my knowledge, he has returned as champion. (Cheers.) He was formerly carbine champion, bub now he is champion of the whole colony. (Cheers.) The pex'formances of the representatives generally reflect great credib upon them. They bring back some medals, and they have won some money ; and it is not theamount,but the honour attached to their winnings, that they prize. lam sure we all feel very proud of Sergeant Parslow. Cheers were here called and given for Lieut. -Colonel Shepherd. Sergeant Parslow called for " three cheers " for His Worship the Mayor, which were heartily given, the band playing " For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." The volunteers then x*e-formed and marched to the Drill-^hed, where they were dismissed.

The Wellington people are much exercised concerning the proposed "diversion" of the Main Trunk Railway to provide connection between Taranaki and Auckland, and the near approach of Parliament appears to cause a renewed agitation in the centre of legislation. The member for Thorndon (Dr. Newman) stirs up the editor of the Wellington " Post " with a lengthy communication. He says : "It is most true that the £1,000,000 was borrowed to make the central line from Marton to Te Avvamutu, and that the editor has ably shown that the loan is 'specially earmarked,' and yet^he knows that legal opinions have been taken as to the feasibility of driving the legal coach and six through it, and by a vote of Parliament diverting the money to the Taranaki line." The learned doctor also draws attention to the fact that in a 'few months, during the coming session, the battle of the routes is to be begun anew, and that if the section of the Government at war with the " central " manage a. majority in favour of the other, then goodbye for many a long year to the real progross the oity of Wellington and its back country ought to make, and good-bye to everything for which her citizens have so great a longing.

Albany, March 29.. "• x^rrived : P. and O. Co.'s Victoria. Passengers for New Zealand : Earl and; Countess of Onslow, and two ladies, l Lord Cranley^ Messrs Fullerton, Small-" bones, Smith, Johnson, Garland, Wal^' rond, Saville, Percival and wife, Rev. ; ! »Mr Smith, Mr Wilson and wife, Colonel ' and' Mrs Williams, Miss Freekhe'art,^ - Mrs Stephenson.