New Zealand Rifle Association.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3142, 14 March 1879, Page 2

New Zealand Rifle Association.

(Pbb Press Agency.)

NELSON.

Thursday. The presentation of prizes took place this afternoon in the Botanical Gardens, where the local volunteers paraded with the representatives, under the command of Major Lean. There was a large attendance. After the distribution of the money prizes, Ballinger and Gordon—the rifle and carbine champions—were called forward. Mrs Suter presented the belt to the former, congratulating him on having proved the best where all had been so successful; the scores this year having been higher than they were before. To Gordon she said it was a comfort to know that in our island home we had such a competent naval brigade, comprised of men of thorough determination, with steadiness of arm and eye. Major Baillie, on behalf of the association, thanked Mrs Suter for presenting the prizes, and for her words of encouragement. Captain Wilson, on behalf of the members of the association, then presented Mrs Pitt with the first bullet she had fired on opening the meeting, set in the centre of a very handsome gold brooch. Cheers were then given for the champion, exchampion Paynter, and Stevens (secretary). Before division of parade, Colonel Packe addressed his men, congratulated them on the success of the first meeting of the Association, which wan beyond all expectation, and said no more suitable; place than Nelson could be found in the colony, as there was an excellent range, beautiful country, kind and generous people, and lovely climate. The conduct and discipline at camp had been all that could be desired. He then called for three cheers for the Mayor and citizens of Nelson, which were given with a will. The Mayor returned thanks. The men leave per Taiaroa to-morrow, and Northern men per Wellington on Saturday. '..; ■- : ..-;■■ ■■ -■■■ ■•-/■'•■ ■;'.-.■: The following are winners,of £5 and upwards:—W. Ballinger, £40; Oakey, £33; Gordon, £32; Fenton, £28; Hutchinson, £28; Payntef, £23; Somerville, £22; Purnell, £22; Wilson, £21; Coventry, £21; Armstrong, £19; Smith, £16 ; Bowden, £15; Prouse (senr.), £15; Beid, £15; Willeocks, £16; Mapp, £14; Coleman, £14; Jack, £13; Macartney, £13; Monk, £11; Harding, £11; Christie, £11; Prouse (junr.), £11; Boss, £10; Howell, Mills, Howse, Burns, Thomas* and Burr, £8; Leigh, Richardson* Hood, Cropp, Page, and Turner, £7; Skinner, Hunter, Laird, and Seller, £6; Sharland, McLeod, Bannister, Stevens, Norris, and Nicholson 1, £5. There were 46 winners of smaller sums. ; The Rifle Camp was struck at eleven this morning, and the representatives left for town by special'train, where the prizes will be presented this afternoon. A meeting of the members of the Association was held at the camp last night, when a resolution to the following effect was passed, to be forwarded to the Executive Committee for approval :—•" That no points for drill count in any metch; that a sum of money be given to the winner in the match North and South, to be equally divided among them. That ranges be properly surveyed and marked out. That in allcomers, or those open to all Volunteers; distance should not exceed 600 yards. That there should not be bss than five matches for each belt. That a programme for next year be issued three month! before it takes place.