RETURN Of CHAMPION HYDE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9047, 13 March 1908, Page 5

RETURN Of CHAMPION HYDE.

GREAT DEMONSTRATION OF ENTHUSIASM.

OFFICIAL WELCOME AT RAILWAY STATION.

Rifle Champion George Hyde returned to Masterton last evening, when a most enthusiastic welcome was accorded him by the public. Long before the train bearing the Champion was due to arrive, the station platform was packed with

A DENSE THRONG OF PEOPLE,

which surged to and fro in eager anticipation of the popular rifleman's coming. The train arrived strictly up to time, and as it steamed into the station, the, Municipal Band, which was assembled on one end of the platform, struck up a selection of welcome, the engines' whistles "cheered," the crowd hurrahed, and a scene of the greatest enthusiasm was witnessed. The Masterton Fire Police kept the platform partly cleared until the train hac 1 stopped, and then the public made a wild rush for the carriage bearing the Champion, and he was LIFTED SHOULDER HIGH and carried, amidst ringing cheers, to a cab which was ism readiness at the back of the station. His Worship the Mayor (Mr J, M. Coradine) was among those present to greet the Champion as he seated himself in the cab, and then a throng of admirers, including Volunteers, Riflemen, local body representatives, and leading citizens, gathered round to offer their congratulations. A procession was then formed, headed by the Band, and including the Fire Police, Fire Brigade, and some fifty or sixty delegates to the United Fira Brigades' Association Conference, who had stopped in Masterton to see the Champion welcomed home. The public, to the number of nearly a thousand, lined up in the rear, and with the official section of the procession made up a most imposing gathering. THE CHAMPION'S CARRIAGE was drawn by firemen, and the march to town was an interesting spectacle. The procession halted at the Club Hotel, and the Champion (who was accompanied into town by his wife and daughter) was escorted to the balcony by Mr A. W. Hogg, M.P., and several Borough Councillors. On the balcony were gathered other members of the Opaki Rifle Club (including Captain W. J. Welch), Staff-Sergti-Major Burr, and Sergeant Edwards, of New South Wales—the third man on the list for the. Belt. PROLONGED CHEERING' was given as the party made their appearance at the. balcony railing. The sight from the balcony was impressive, there being a broad sea of faces below stretchirg along ths street for several chains. THE MAYOR'S SPEECH. The Mayor made a short speech, in which he said he was proud to be Mayor on such an occasion, when a reception so magnificent was being accorded to one who so well deserved it. The Champion's record, j said his Worship, was one of which he and Masterton might well be proud, as in six years he had, at Trantham, annexed the Belt twice, been a close runner-up once, secured fourth place once, and won many other prizes. Eulogies could not add any lustre to such a record, and His Worship said he would not attempt such, but j called for three cheers for the Cham- ! pion. MR HOGG'S ADDRESS. Mr Hogg, after the cheers had subsided, also welcomed Rifleman Hyde in an address, which outlined the deeds of prowess which the Champion had achieved. No honour had been won more worthily, and the speaker was also pleased to see that Sergeant Edwards had come up to Masterton with the Champion. (Loud cheers.) Mr Hogg paid' a high tribute to the fortitude which characterised the achievements of the men who shot day after day at an arduous and nerve-straining rifle meeting, and said that Rifleman Hyde had brought fame to himself and to Masterton on two occasions, which proved the metal he was made of. The speaker also eulogised the Champion's efforts on behalf of Rifle Clubs throughout the dominion, by persevering with his corps when the Defence Department had set its face against Rifle Clubs some years ago, and were dispensing "grandmotherly" treatment to them v Mr Hogg said that the Opaki Club was composed of sterling shots and sterling men, and with such men as Captain Welch and Riflemen Cameron and Hyde, and the other well-known members of the Club, a formidable combination was formed. It was grand to know, also, that the honour of winning the Belt had fallen to one of the most unassuming of men, and one who would wear his laurels as they

should he worn. Mi* Hogg also called for cheers at the conclusion of his speech, the invitation being heartily responded to. THE CHAMPION IN REPLY. Rifleman Hyde returned thanks in a feeling manner for the splerdid reception accorded him. He admitted that the heat of the contest had been trying to him, in spite of his previous years' efforts, and he now felt somewhat "brain fagged." He naturally felt proud to have vanquished the record gathering of riflemen in New Zealand, though he experienced a tinge of selfishness in having twice annexed an honour which so many worthy shots had missed. He thought, somehow, he was born under a lucky shooting-star. (Laughter.) The Champion stated that his Club had secured the Dawsen Shield which had been won that morning by the Rifle Clubs in a match fired yesterday morning between Rifle Clubs and Volunteers, and out of the team of twenty riflemen, no less than seven were Opaki men. (Loud cheers.) The victt r again returned hearty thanks for his reception. OTHER SPEECHES. Mr Hogg here invited Captain W. J. Welch to address the crowd, and mentioned that out of the sixteen Opaki men to go to Trenttiam, fifteen had von prize money. Captain Welch briefly addressed the crowd, and thanked them heartily for the reception they had accorded the Champion and the Club. Cheers were then given for Sergt. Edwards (who is an Australian), the Mayor, and Mr Hogg. Sergeant Edwards, who is a very young shot, briefly returned thanks.