RECEPTION OF CARBINE CHAMPION GORDON.

Thames Star, Volume XIII, Issue 4334, 21 November 1882, Page 2

RECEPTION OF CARBINE CHAMPION GORDON.

As Lieut. Gordon, of the Thames Navals, had so well upheld his reputation as a carbine shot at the recent meeting of (he Rifle Association at Duuedin, end had proved himself to be a worthy representative of the Thames, it was determined to give him and his companions in-arms a hearty welcome on his arrival by the Kotomabana this afternoon. The boat was expected to reach the Goods Wharf by halfpast two o.'clock, but long before that time people dressed in holiday attire might be Keen wending their way towards the plp.ee of landing. The Volun'.cers mustered at the Naval Hall, and were under the com« rnand of Major Murray. At about 2.80 they started down Brown street, in the :O lowing order, the bands playing altarr&ieiy: —Naval Baid (16), Naval Brigede (7 officers and 57 rank and file) ; Engineer t id (15); Rifle Hangers and Engineers (26); Naval Cadets (IP); and Grahamstown Fire Brigade (21). A large number of people of course accompanied the volun'.eers, but half way down the wharf a double cordon of police kept back the greater number, thus preventing a crush, though this arrangement did not fall in with the wishes of the would-be spectators, especially the. more juvenile portion. As soon as the steamer was prelly clo?e to the wharf, the Naval Eaod struck up, "See tbe Conquering Hero Comes." As the boat grazed the piles three hearty cheers were given for the Champion, aud tbree for the other representatives. . Open order was now formed, and when most of the passengers had got ashore, six of tbe Navals went on board and shauldered Gordon, Gill, and Weir, and carried them up the wharf, preceeded by the band, and followed by the remainder of the volunteers in order. A. dense crowd was gathered near the inner end of the wharf and on the reclamation, and frequent were the cries of approval as the champion was borne along. A halt was made neat the toll house, and the representatives got into three cabs, the Mayor and County Chairman being in the first one, and were driven to the Bank Ccjner. Owen and Brown streets were packed with spectators, aud numbers also observed tbe proceedings from the windows of the houses. The balcony over the Corner was - also well filled, principally with ladies. A photograph of the scene was taken by Mr Foy, The procession halted opposite the Benk of New Zealand, when

Mr Wilkinson, the Mayor, siids Volunteer citiaens, and citizens generally, of the Thames—Wo are assembled here this afternoon to pay a tribute of respect to those of our citizen soldiers who are returning from the annual shooting tournament, this ye r held in the chief Southern district of Otago. To Lieut. Gordon, of the Thame3 Navals, our warmest e.dmira lion is dee for the brilliant scoring which lisa enabled him on three occasions to carry off the prize which now, ard will hereafter, adorn his porson in token of Ir's successes. Not aoly the corps to wl}ich lie is attached, but the Thames generally, will feel proud of him in future ye:;rs when Shese competitions will perhaps be classed among things (o be remembered; I am sure you will all join me most sincerely in hoping that he may long live to wear the hoior, and afterwards hand it down as a heirloom in his family—a, fitting memorial of his brilliant skill as a marksman. I say these competitions may be classed among t'iings of the past, because past events have done much to crush out of existence *I;afc spirit of emulation which has hitherto' y.isn a characteristic of our volunteer sys•jx. The honor gained by the Thames volunteers are the mor< j opportune in view of charges recently hurled against them in the highest assemblage of the colony— charges of a character which, belong rather to the Ifative Minister himself, be cause he and those who supported him exhibited the most mercenary spirit iv breaking an honorable engagement to save a few pounds. But further reference to this subject is needless on sijch an occasion. We are here to rejoice over th.c victory of our volunteers once niore, for this is the thi^d occasion on which I have been called upon to perform a similarly pleasing duty. I should be sorry if these annual competitions were to cease because they are a means of making our volunteers acquainted with the other districts of the colony, and so extending their knowledge of the chief towns of New'

Zealand. After firtWer remarks the Mayor called for three cheers for the Champion, and three more for his comrades who had so well maintained the credit of the district.

Cheers were also given for the Naval Brigade and the Mayor, and the procession moved off towards Shortland.