Rifle Dinner

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 4034, 2 December 1881, Page 2

Rifle Dinner

Last evening the losing team in the rifle match fired yesterday- entertained their comrades to diuuer at Host Lawless'• Empire Hotel, when the chair was taken by Captain Wildman, Adjutant Schofield who efficiently perform the duties of Vice Chairman. After fall justice had been done to the excellent repast provided, the Chairman proposed the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, which were all drunk with the customary honors. Vol. Ibbetsou then eang v&tf ewrgatly the soag " Ira ■Waiting," affce-r which' tbe health of the

winning team, coupled with the name of the Captain, H. Gordon, was proposed by Vol. Conroy on behalf of the losers, and drunk with musical honors. Mr Gordon responded in a neat and suitable speech.- A new local song, written by Mr R. Wiseman, wag then sung by Corporal Haslett, and was very well received. Adjutant Schofield next proposed the " Health of the losing team, coupled with the name of Corporal Hassett." He said they were nearly all young shots but had nevertheless done very well, and gome of them would he hoped some day or other take part in more important matches. Mr R. Feeny then gave a song for which he received merited applause; after which Corporal Haslett returned thanks on behalf of the losing team. He said that if some of them had fired, the contents of the rifles into the hilt side instead of on to the target, it was not to be wondered at considering the practice they had had ; he thought they bad done very well. Some amusement was here caused by the Chairman in a very serious, manner calling on three of the members of the team to step forward, in order that he might presant them with something as tokens of the great bravery displayed by them at the butts, whereupon three smart youug fellows stepped up, and were decorated with imitation Victoria Crosses which they appeared to appreciate highly. The business of the evening was then proceeded with, Mr Bachelor giving one ot his amusing comic songs. The health of the Officers, coupled with tbe namf of Major Pitt, was then proposed by 1 vMr Lewis, and drunk with musical honors, and after " The Union Jack of Old England " by Mr Kelly," responded to by Captain Wildman. He said he was sorry Government had acted towards them in the manner in which they had re the Parihaka business. He was sure every man who had gone down there was prepared to do his duty whatever it might have been, and it was a poor return they got from the Government. The only thing he could say was Government had got into a fir, and were at a loss how to get out of it. The "Old Arm Chair" was then feelingly sung by Mr Yates, and well applauded. Petty Officer Potts pro* posed, in a highly eulogistic speech, " The Health of Captain Wildman," which was rapturously received and drunk with musical honors. Captain Wildman suit* ably responded. Mr Wright followed with a song, after which P. 0. Henderson proposed the " Health of District Marker Potts," remarking that without doubt he was the most efficient marker they had ever had. Mr Potts in returning thanks ■aid it was always a source of pleasure for him to see things carried out fair and above board. Thames men had hitherto been heavily handicapped at Nelson, but he did not think it would be so next time they went. A number of other toasts, including the "Press," the * Host and Hostess " followed. Several other songs were given, and the singing of the National Anthem then brought a pleasant evening's entertainment to a close.