Te Aroha AND Ohinemuri News SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 1898. THE KNOCK MEDAL.

Te Aroha News, Volume XIV, Issue 2109, 4 June 1898, Page 2

Te Aroha AND Ohinemuri News SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 1898. THE KNOCK MEDAL.

Trds not possible for anyone interested in the welfare of the Te Aroha Volun- , tear Company to read the correspondence on this subject now appearing in our columns without a feeling of irritation. When the fortunes of the local company were at a low ebb Mr Knock, in order to revive the spirit of competition amongst its members, generously presented a trophy known as the Knock Belt to bo fired for .biennially at the Te Aroha Rifle Range Certain conditions were attached to tfi& possession of the Bolt, into which we need not enter here; suffice it to say tha trophy was to remain in the company, and could not bo carried away by any member, however often that fortunate individual might win it. Mr Knock, whomever s©©B things by halves, determined to set a good example in one particular, however. To the first member winning the Bolt twice in succession, or three times at intervals, he generously promised a gold medial, in the. hope and belief that the example would be followed; when the occasion again arose either by some well - to - do and patriotic citizen, like himsejf, and we want such in these days, or by the Company’s officers. .• Now anything easier Jteomprehension than these conditions it would be difficult to devise, but jwhat is the result ? Some dHjs ago ©n a public holiday and in a public place, in the presence of an enormous crowd and at the hands of one of the most popular Ministers of the Crown, an old and respited member of the company, identified* with volunteering since his boyhood, received the coveted medal amid the plaudits of his com rades—and before a week has elapsed a series of letters appear in this papeir coudf muinglhe award as having been made in contravention of the conditions. We have carefully read the letters referred to; but as the matter is to, come before- the Shooting Committee to-night we can do no mu; e than go over the ground upon which the complaint rests. It is evident from a perusal of what has appeared in our columns that a feeling of dissatisfaction exists on this subject of the award. The Shooting Committee, in our opinion, were the proper people with whom l o lodge a protest, and that, we understand, has been done. The hunter suouui have been settled by I r, hat Committee and the details should I not have leaked out. Why, we feel inclined to ask, has not the Shouting r J mmittee settled thp dispute ? The

matter m which the members of the ! Company are at variance is a simple, one, and essentially one for the Shoot- i lug Committee to decide. It was not i a question for the public, but their delay has ma le it one,, otherwise it j could not have become ft public question until the Committee had declined • o deal with it on iherfadts laid before them The result of the proc edinga at the mooting of the 0 •muiitteo to-night will be anxiously awaited, only by eve.y menabwoi the Company, but |by the .public now that such publicity has been given to the question.