NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3503, 17 March 1880, Page 2

NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

Reception of the Carbine Champion and Thames Representatives.

Ever since the afternoon when the news was flashed along the wires that Petty Officer Thomas, of our Natal Brigade,' had won laurels for tkis district by winning the Curbine Champion Belt of the Colony, preparations hare been going on to give him and his brothers in arms a befitting reception. When it was ascertained that the representatives would arrived by last night; night's boat, Major Murray ordered a general turn out of the volunteers to receive the men who have so well maintained the prestige of the district. At about eight o'clock in response to the call of the Major there wns a large muster of our citizen soldiery at the Bank of New Zealand corner, the Naval a being predominant. The Fire Brigades had kindly offered their services as torch-bearers, and when the procession moved off towards the wharf the flickering torchlights falling on the gay uniforms and lighting up the streets and footpaths had a very pretty effect. The total muster must have been fully 350, and the following officers were present:'— Major Murray, Adjutant Schofield, Instructor Grant, Capts. Watson, Farrell, Savage, Lieuts. Coney, Barlow, Denby, Brownlow, Douglas, White, and Gibbons. Superintendent Hollis and Captain Pearce commanded the Fire Brigade contingent.

THE LANDING.

Owing to a mistake there was some little delay at the landing, the steamer being alongside the wharf before the volunteers had arrived. At the end of the wharf there was a large crowd of spectators, and the stamping of so many feet made the structure fairly tremble in a most unpleasant manner. The larrikin element was largely interested in the success of the Thames arms, as quite a crowd of them had assembled to welcome the champion. As soon as the steamer touched the wharf, Capt. Wildman, who could be seen ou the deck, ordered the representatives to " fall in." la this position the coming of the torn*

panics was awaited. They were soon seen advancing with the band playing a lively air. On their arrival at the steamer, Major Murray leaped on to the deck, and called for three cheers for Carbine Champion Thomas, which were enthusiastically given. Cheers were also given for the other representatives .As the men filed down the gangway on to the wharf, some stalwart members of the Brigade pounced on the Champion, and carried him shoulder high through the opened ranks. His progress through his comrades must have been very gratifying but rather uncomfortable to Mr Thomas. At last the Champion got comfortably seated in the carriage and four, with his Worship the Mayor, the County Chairman, and Captain Wildman, and headed by the band the triumphal procession moved townwards. Greek fire burned on many of the principal edifices, investing every object with a bright ruddy hue,, and at the Bank of New Zealand corner, there was a brilliant display of fireworks. The front of the Bank was adorned with a brilliant gaslight star. The street at this point was so thronged with spectators that moving about was a matter of difficulty.

ADDBEBS OF THE MAYOB.

The carriage containing the local magnates and the Champion drew up in front of the Pacific, when the Mayor Rave the following address:—" Mr Thomas, Eifle Bepresentatives, and Gentlemen,—As you are aware, I have already had the pleasure of welcoming you in Auckland. It was gratifying to me to witness. the honor—done-yon- by--the Auckland people, which, of course, was reflected through you updfc the Thames, and now I have the gratification of welcoming you at your own homes, on behalf of the citizens of the Borough of Thames. You are to be congratulated upon your success, Petty-Officer Thomas, in having obtained the Carbine Belt in the late rifle contest at Kelson, proving yourself the best shot with the carbine in IN'ew Zealand. I must also congratulate Captain Wildman in having the honour to command the corps that now for the second time has succeeded in w resting the coveted trophy from the Carbine shots of the colony. While acknowledging the prowess of the Champion, I must congratulate the other representatives in haying succeeded in winning so many prizes, not only medals, but money prizes thereby upholding the prestige of their district. I, in conclusion, do welcome you to your homes, and will now ask you to give three cheers for the Champion, Petty-Officer Thomas.

The cheers were responded to enthusiastically, after which the Mayor called for the same compliment to the ex-Champion Lieutenant Gordon, Captain Wildman and Major Murray—the latter returning the compliment to His Worship. The column then re-formed and marched as far as Mary street and returned to the Naval parade hall, where aH were dismissed. After the dismissal the representatives were taken in charge by the men of their respective compames, and congratulated upon their success. . The greatest enthusiasm preveiled throughout the proceedings.