OPAKI RIFLE CLUB.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9140, 16 July 1908, Page 5

OPAKI RIFLE CLUB.

ANNUAL SOCIAL,

AN ENJOYABLE FUNCTION,

The Exchange Hall was crowded lust evening when the Opaki Rifle Club held its annual soiree. The members of the late Fairview Rifle Club (now incorporated with the Opaki Club) were specially invited to. the function by the original section of the Club, and ladie3 and gentlemen friends of Doth clubs were also present in large numbers. The proceedings opened with dancing, which was maintained until about 9.15 o'clock, when the prizes won during the year were presented by the Mayor (Mr P. L. Hollings). Captain W. J. Welch, who occupied the chair during the formal part of the proceedings, and after introducing the Mayor, and apologising for the absence "of Mr A. W. Hog?. M.P., Patron of the Club, and Mr H. G. Williams (President), gave a brief sketch of tne shooting done by the club during the past season. He said that at the beginning of the season a successful career was predicted for the club, and he was happy to say that those predictions were realised to as full an extent as the club could reasonably anticipate. Captain Welch detailed the various achievements of individual members and of the club, as follows:—At Manawatu, Rifleman W. Winslacie won the Championship for the second time in succession, the Opaki team coming second in the Teams Match; at Wanganui, Rifleman McLeay won the Championship, and the Club won the teams match; at the meeting of the Wellington Rifle Association at Trentham, Rifleman R. J. King won the Championship, and the Club the Teams' Match; at the Canterbury Association meeting, three members attended, Rifleman W. J. Henry coming third in the aggregate; Rifleman G. Hy-le won 'he New Z?alr.nd Bel', Jm3 gold Star at the "New Zeala/.d Association's meeting at Trentham, the Club coming fourth in the Teams' Match, and having six members selected, in the match Riflemen v. Volunteers (\vttl by the Riflemen), and seven men in the flttel (80 of the aggregate); at Rangitikaf, Rifleman King won the Championship and the Club won the Teams' Match for the second time in succession; the Club was top in New Zealand in the "Daily Mail" Cup competition, out of ,87 entrants, and so far as was yet known fifth on a list of 30 competing clubs from all parts of the world. Captain Welch mentioned the condemning of Opaki Rifle Range and 1 the acquiring by the Club of Fairview Range through the generosity of the property owners, and the combining of the Opaki and Fairview Clubs, which he considered a matter for hearty congratulation for both clubs. (Applause). The Mayor then presented the trophies won by individual members. Before doing fo he crnzratup lated the club on ils splendid success in its various inter-club and Association matches, and especially Mr Welch for holding the proud position of captain of such a club. He eulogised rifle-shooting as a manly sport conducive to self-reli-ance, discipline, and temperate living, and thought rifle clubs were performing a noble part in the community. Mr Hollings said that at the present time it was impossible to over-estimate the value of rifle ing Ho tnen. handed the prizes won to the various members entitled, the recipients being accorded hearty applause. Mr H. "C. Robinson, Captain of the Masterton Rifle Vulunteers, also made a brief soeech, thanking the Club for its invitation to his officers to be present, and expressing a hope that the excellent feeling now existing between the two clubs woud be maintained. He also congratulated the club on its excellent achievements during the year. Mr D. McGregor, late-- Captain of the Fairview Rifle Club, also made an interesting speech regarding the important work done by rifle clubs and the volunteer force, his remarks being warmly applauded. Dancing was then resumed, concluding at an early hour this morning. • The music was supplied by Mr Frank McKenzie, and the catering was in <he hands of the Misses Whitcombe.