New Zealand Rifle Association.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3145, 18 March 1879, Page 2

New Zealand Rifle Association.

Reception of the Carbine* Champion < AND

Thames Representatives.

At an early hour th's morning the appearance of, flags nnd other d^ttulions in the principal thoroughfar«fl^Hth> s business portion of the town, pNte/aimed ">.-. that to-day something out of the ordinary course of local events was to happen, and a stranger on enquiring the cause of the display, would have been informed that Petty Officer Gordon of the Thames Naval Brigade, the winner of the well won and much coveted Carbine Champion . Belt of the Colony, and the other Thames representatives at the meeting of the N.Z. Rifle Association Meeting, were expected to arrive here at about three o'clock, and the gala appearance of the town was in their honor. And our brave shootilts certainly deserve the honor done them. They have, as a body, proved themselves to be marksmen second ■ to none in the Colony, and have brought home many valuable and substantial, proofs ot their prowess; and, by thb honors, they have won, reflect credit on f the whole volunteer movement of the district. But to return to the decorations. The principal of these is a string of flags from the Bank of New Zealand to the Wharf Hotel. The centre piece is a banner bearing the words, " Welcome to Gordon and the Thames Representatives.'' This is flanked on both sides by small white bannerettes bearing the initials of the names of the several volun- " teer corps' taking, part in the reception. Albert, Brown, aud Owen streets are crossed by several other lines of flags' iand pennants. A feature of the decorations is the great Corporation Flag, bearing the arms, and seal of. the Borough, which waves ever the Council Chambers. At the point where Albert street crosses Brown street some fine tree ferns have sprung up mysteriously during the night. It is whispered that Mr Rawdomhad something to do with forcing their growth. : The Navals' artillery are placed in an imposing position in Brown street. The various companies having mustered at their respective drill sheds at 2 o'clock; " at about half past three rendezvoused at; the Burke street wharf, which they lined;, on both sides, the Navals being stationed at the outside end of the jetty. .;' ; ;> When the steaimr,. which was gaily decorated with flags, came. alongside, Gordon was mounted on a cbiir decorated with flags, and Mejor Murray'called for three hearty cheers for the Carbine Champion and the Represents ten. Gordon wore the belt and tb.9 medal, and carried the silver cup in his hand. The column then moved off to the Bank Corner, where the Mayor deUvered the following Address:

" Petty Officer Gordon and Thames Representatives at the New Zealand Rifle, Association Meeting,—On behalf of your fellow citizens and your companions*.? in arms, I welcome you to your homes, and assure you of the pleasure all have in seeing you again on the Thames. Nobly have you maintained the credit of this district at the rifle gathering, and proved to New Zealand that the Thames ■has sons not to be excelled in rifle shooting. When you left here for Nelson our best wishes went with you, and the faith we had in you that you would worthily represent the Thames at the rifle contest has been fully borne out by your success. During the contest the greatest; interest was shown in your achievements, and the result was a source of gratification and pleasure, and a matter for congratulation. The large number of your friends and brothers in-arms, who are present to welcome you back, show the estimation in which your prowess is held, land the pride felt by all classes in your success is genuine. The Naval Brigade have cause to be proud of you, PettyOfficer Gordon, and the district no less so—for by your proficiency you have up. held the good name and the prestige so lonj i borne by the Thames, and have brought for a second time in triumph a champion belt and cup to its shores: Although your fellow-representatives did not sue* ceed in winning the Rifle BelVstill (hey struggled hard for it, and proved them- « selves no mean competitors among the , champions shots of the Colony. The day may not be far distant when, instead of sending representatives to a New Zealand Bine Association^ contest, the Thames may be called upon to contribute men for a team to represent New Zealand at the National meeting at Wimbledon, and then I trust you who have so nobly fought for honor and victory at Nelson may be selected for such positions. Apain welcoming you on behalf of the public and the Volunteers of the Thames, I wish you a prosperous and a long life, and feel asured if ever the time sjuould come when New Zealand wants her sons to defend her shpres, the skill you have shown in the use of the rifle will be turned against her enemies."

His Worship the Mayor called for three cheers for the Representatives. Major Murray stepped to thefrb'nt and called for three cheers for His Worship the Mayor. Three cheers were then given for Major Murray, after which th 3 Major said thanks were due to the local press—the Thames Advertiser and the Star—for the manner in which the icformation from Nelson was supplied. The officers were then ordered* to fall in, the several companies falling into tbeir plaaes, and the order of march reformed. The Naval Band then led the^ column along Albert street and on through Shortland.

A very large number of people accompanied the march, and during the address by Mr McCullough,' the balcony of Rowe's buildinga, the window* of the Paciac and Wharf Hotels, and outside the Academy of Music was crowded by a a large assemblajje of ptrople, principally ladias. Great enthasiasm prevailed throughout the whole proceedings.