NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3498, 11 March 1880, Page 2

NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

(Pee Pbess Association.)

RICHMOND (NELSON),

Last night.

There was a large attendance at the Cavalry tournament. The arrangements were good and the weather perfect.

Fibst Contest.

Files of two men to rids a quarter of a mile,. taking two fixed fences 3ft. 6in. aud on arrival at 200. yards firing point, dismount and fire as many shots at possible, time 3 tains.

The winners are:—J. McLean and Walkington (of Wairoa), 3 centres 10 outers, 90 points; 2nd, Howie, J. Tharston (Wairoa), 15 centres 9 outers, 87 points ; 3rd, Jbnnston, Aitkea (Wairoa), 2 centres 24 outers, 80 points. Second Contest.

Winners—Johnson, Walkington, McLean, of Wairoa, with 36 centres and 14 outers, —total points, 186 ; 2nd, Smith, of Alexander, with 36 centres and 10 outers, —total points, 174; 3rd, Somerville, Haggie, Laird, of Alexandra, 33 centres 13 outers,—total points, 171. Thied Contest.

Each competitor started at a gallop for postpractice, each ring taken counting as one point, and each neck cat fairly through as one point; time 30 seconds, 4 necks and 4 riags in line. Winners :— Laird, of Alexandra, 7 beads 6 rings, 13 points; 2, Mussen, of Alexander, 6 heads, 7 rings, total 13 points (in the ultimate ties Laird's total was 4, and Mussen's 3); 3, J. Tburston, Wairoa, 4 heads, 8 rings.

Fottbth Contest.

Pursuing practice squads, three men riding abreast to start gallop, but pursuing practice half points • for good dressing and excellence of swordsmanship. The winners were: J. Thurston, Home, and Aitken, of Wairoa, 13 points; 2, Somerville, Higgle, and Laird, of Alexandra, 12 points; 3, Thurston, Muisen, and Smith, of Alexandra, 9 points. Pbesbntation op Belts.

At, the conclusion of the tournament there was a parade, and the prizes won at the meeting were distributed by Mrs A. J. Richmond, wife of Mr Richmond, M.H.R.

In presenting Sergt. Okey with the rifle belt she said she had " great pleasure in making the presentation; the splendid shooting he had made in the late contest, combined with the high position he had secured in the last year's contest convinced her that she was, in the name of the Association, conferring thife muchcoveted honour on the right man.'* Three cheers were given for Okey after Mrs Richmond had placed the b'tlt on

him. That lady then presented Gunner .Thomas, of (lie Thames N. 8., with the Carbine Belt, congratulating him upon winning it, and extending the congratulation to his corps, which for the second time in succession bad sent the best carbine shot to the meeting. Three cheers were then given for the ex champion.

Medals.

Gold medals were presented to W. Ballinger, G. Gordon, Sergt. Okey, and Gunner Thomas; silver ones to Messrs Hutchinson, Smith, Mapp, Pur Dell, Rogers, and Soinerville; and bronze ones to Messrs Sutton and Jamieson, each on presentation being accompanied with suitable remarks.

Cups.

The cups for the North and South Islands wtre presented to'the winners in the l'ifle and carbine matches, cheers being given to the winners.

Thanks

Major Baillie, on behalf of the Volunteers attending the meeting, thanked the people of Nelson most sincerely for the welcome and reception given them, and as regards the shooting he said he was surprised at the excellence. Colonel Facke said he found this meeting had gone on without the loss of a single moment. The shooting was magnificent', and he complimented Sergeant Okey on winning the Rifle Belt, remarking that, years ago at Hokitika, he shot remarkably well.

He also congratulated Captain Wildman, of the Thames, who, for the second year, had shepherded his men, and the second ti&e the Carbine Belt bad been secured tonis corps; and he warned other corps that Thames men would win it altogether, unless they were on the look-out. He thanked the ladies of Nelson for their presence. Three cheers cheers were given for Col. Packe and other members of the staff, the officers, and by the Nelson men for their companions during the meeting. Thanks having been returned the. force was dismissed and the meeting was at an end.