Reception of the Carbine Champion.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3810, 15 March 1881, Page 2

Reception of the Carbine Champion.

A very large turn out of Volunteers mustered yesterday afternoon to welcome the Carbine Champion and the Thames representatives upon their return from the Nelson Bifie contest. A carriage and four horses driven by that well known Jehu, Mr John Connell, met the Eotomahana, for the accomodatioh of the Champion, tbe Mayor, County Chairman, and Captain Wildman, but the comrades of Armstrong carried him shoulder high down the wharf, and it was only when the shore was reached that the carriage was occupied. There was a very large attendance of the general public who accompanied the volunteers to the Pacific Corner where a halt was made.

Major Murray having formed the troops in a square surrounding the carriage, said the Mayor and County Chairman desired to address the" representatives.

The Mayor on behalf of the citizens, welcomed the Champion and the representatives, and referred to the many exploits of Petty-Ofiicer Armstrong. He also referred to the proposals of the Government to discontinue capitation to the volunteers, which determination he hoped would be changed by Parliament. The County Chairman also welcomed the representatives and called for cheers for Armstrong, the representatives, and Capt. Wildman, which were given most lustily.

Capt. Wildman returned thanks on behalf of the Champion and representatives.

Cheers were given for the Mayor, County|Chairman, and Major Murray, after which the order of march was continued along Pollen street and back to the Naval Hall, where the comrades of Armstrong renewed their congratulations, and Mr Wiseman sang an original song suitable to the occasion.