VOLUNTEERING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 305, 3 February 1910, Page 8

VOLUNTEERING.

. AN INTERESTING INCIDENT. When Private Riddles, of the Taranaki Guards, returned to England some time ago, he carried with him a very fine Petone rug, a present from his company to the Sussex Volunteers at Worthing, in which corps he had held the rank of sergeant before coming to New Zealand. Private Riddles was an excellent shot, and a very useful member oi the company, and this rug for his old love took the place of the usual personal presentation. The present was accompanied by a letter from Captain Mills who asked that it should be offered as a shooting prize, and expressed hearty gooa wishes for the success of Private Riddles' former compa ly. The rug was shot for and won by Sergr. King. The presentation of prizes was made in the Town Hall by the Mayor of Worthing, and the handing over of the Taranaki Guards' trophy was made a leading incident. It prompted the Mayor to deliver himself of some very commendatory remarks, and he expressed his hearty appreciation of this act, which went so far to prove actual kinship with fellow-subjects over the seas. He hoped that the relationship thus entered into bv the two companies would grow and prosper, and he suggested that the corps should return the graceful compliment paid to one of its old members. To this end, he volunteered a donation towards the cost of procuring a enitable prize to be given to the Guards for competition, and to be ■brought out by Private Riddles on iiis return to the Dominion.

The Taranaki Guards will ■'ot for the champion challenge belt or vebraary 10th. The winner of ti belt holds it for a year, and also tr • a gold medal. Private F. Nichols i- ' 1 present holder. The ranges for championship shoot are 900 and 10 P yards. On the same day the Guards will fire a handicap match for a gold medal presented by ex-Lieutenant Messenger. Ex-Captain Cook, of the Guards, has donated a fine oil painting as a shooting prize. The Guards will have three teams In the teams match at the forthcoming Taranaki ride meeting.