MOUNTED RIFLES CAMP.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 173, 24 July 1903, Page 4

MOUNTED RIFLES CAMP.

MILITARY TOURNAMENT.

Tin Military Tournament held in connection with the Stratford and Egmont Mounted Rifles camp on Thursday wai to a great extent spoilt by the weather, which was bitterly cold. However, these who braved the elements were rewarded with some good sport. Daring the afternoon the Garrison Band played a programme of music The officials (especially the secretary, Trooper Griffon) left nothing to be desired in the conduct of this tournament. As will be seen by the r&suits, Trooper Arden'e Van Ocurib? scooped the " pool," showing a greai i?«rn of f°°t. Following •re the result*:—

Beat Turn-out: Corporal Mills (Egtoont M.R)I, Private B.urke (Stratford M.R.) 2. Four entries. Half Section Leading Oon»i. xetltio ' 1 = David and Blaekhall's Ngamilan d Bnd Brownie (Cook) 1, Cleaver Bros.' Dv <nd y and Bun Tuck (Cleaver) 2. Tin.™ entries.

Wtestling on horseback was won by the Stratford team after a good struggle. Despatch Competition: Trooper Arden'e Van Courier (11.12) 1, Sergt.- - Major Mackay's-Ngamiland (12.5)2, Brownie(ll.o)3. Also started: Singleahot, Stockboy, Blackjack, and Mira. A good " go." Won by a neckr Lloyd Lindsay Competition: Sergt. Walsh, Troopers Uniacke, Frere, and Mackay (Btra*ford M.R.), smin 22sec, 1; Sergt. Shotter, Troopers Cook, Burke, and Walters (Stratford M.R.), Smin 27sec, 2. A team from the Egmont M.R. also competed, but were a long way behind. The good work put in by the first and second ieams elicited praise on all hands. Victoria Cross Competition: Trooper Arden's Van Courier (13.3) 1, Trooper Meredith's The Nun (11.7)2, Lieut. Paul's Singleshot (13 7) 3. Also started : Brown Bill 13.0, Stock Boy 12.4, Dante 11.13, Colquet 11.0. Woe with the'greatest of ease. Gun Capture: Four teams competed, bat only two succeeded in reaching the winning post. All except the winners came to grief with their "gun carriage," the vehicle showing more of a disposition to turn somersaults than run on its wheels. Two teams gave the "rescue" up in despair, whilst the third only got home after a very tempestuous voyage. The winners were SergeantMa jor Mackay, Sergeants Shotter and Freer, and Corporal Uniacke. Life-Saving Competition: Trooper Arden's Van Courier (Lieut. Paul) 1, Trooper Anger's Dante (owner) 2, Sergeant-Major Mackay's Ngamiland 3. Also started: Singleshot, Brown Bill, The Nun, Brownie. Won easily. Time, lmin 48sec. Pace Race: (A. Mills) 1, Ngamiland (owner) 2. Returned Troopers' Race: Private Oheffings (9th Contingent) 1. Several others entered. At the conclusion of the Tournament the camp was cleared up and its late occupants dispeis^d.

THIS BUUIAL. The Social held in the Drill Hall last night by the Stratford and Egmont Mounted Rifles was a great success and a m.st enjoyable affair. It was well patronised by the paople of New Plymouth, with whom the mounted men appear to have become prime favourites. There was a fair number of the Infantry corps—Bines and Guards —and the blue and scarlet uniforms gava a pleasing variety and relieved the somewhat sombre khaki of the troopers. The floor was in capital order, and with Lieutenant Paul ss H.O. and good music, dancing was kept up with vigour till an early hour this morning. There was also a ep'eudid supper, and all the arrangements being very complete tbe social, cr dance as it really was, was voted by the guests of the troopers as one of the most enjoyable dances of the season.

It is extremely gratifying to be able to report that the camp, from a training paint of viovr, has been an entire success, a lot of excellent work has been done, and both horses and men have greatly ben fi ted by the encampment. Major Watt, who was a visitor, not in omnmcd ss was erroneously stated, spoke in high terms of the encampment and warmly complimented Captain Liardet, who was in command of the camp, m i's success. Indeed, both Captain Lirrdet, of the Stratford B'fta, and Captain Knight, of the Egmont Rifle", are to be congratulated on the good behaviour of the men under their commitid, u,d the men themselves have become general favourites with the townspeople with whom they have come in ojntact. We feel sure both corps will be warmly welcomed should they decide to make their next camp in New Plym-utb.