MEETING OF VOLUNTEERS: THE THAMES CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 219, 21 June 1872, Page 3

MEETING OF VOLUNTEERS: THE THAMES CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.

A large and very unanimous meeting of Volunteers was held last evening, in the Albert Barracks Drill-shed. Some three months back the Thames Rifle Volunteers, who had been previously twice beaten at the rifle butts by our men, threw out a challenge, offering to send 20 riflemen io compete against the same number selected from the Auckland Volunteers, at 400, 500, and GOO yards, for sum of money from £SO up to £IOO. For various reasons the clndlenge was not at that time accepted. Lately, however, has come a second challenge through one of the newspapers, and it was rather insulting in its tone. It was to the effect that if the Auckland Volunteers were not able to raise £SO to be fired for, the Thames men would fire them for love and their travelling expenses. Then it was that the ire of our Volunteers was raised, and last night the members representing the several corps determined upon resolutions, moved, seconded, and carried all but unanimously, that the challenge of the Thames Volunteers be accepted : that the sum to he fired for should he £SO ; that the event should should come off at the Mount Eden Range ; and that a telegram should be forwarded to the Thames the next morning, stating that the determination arrived at. Messrs Hyett, Warren, and Macdonald were chosen to select the best 20 shots, while Messrs Morrow, Johnston, Kitchen, and Thorne comprise a committee for perfecting all arrangements. Mr Macdonald was elected secretary, and Lieutenant Kitchen treasurer. It was stated by the latter officer that instead of £SO, if twice or three times that sum was required, it would he forthcoming at a few hours’ notice. The day fixed for the event has not yet been decided on.— Cross.