OPAKI RIFLE CLUB.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3206, 4 June 1909, Page 5

OPAKI RIFLE CLUB.

ANNUAL SOCIAL. There was a crowded attendance at the Exhange Hall, last evening, the occasion being the annual social of the Opaki Rifle Club. The proceedings were opened with dancing, which was continued until about 9 o'clock, when the prizes won, during the year were presented to the successful members.

The chair was occupied by Captain W. J. Welch during the forma part of the proceedings and there were also present:—Mr H. G. Williams (President) and Mrs Williams, and the Mayor (Mr P. L. Hollings). The Chairman, in. his opening remarks, said he was very pleased to seeso-large' an assemblage at the social. He apologised for the absence of the Hon. A. W. Hogg, Patron of the Club, and Mr 1). McGregor, VicePresident, and gave a brief sketch of ! the shooting done by the Culb uuring the past year, which he said was quite up to the standard of previous years. Regarding Rifle Clubs, the speaker stated that although they represented the cheapest form of defence, their value was not properly appreciated by defence authorities, and they had been spoken of as '•shooting machines." In spite of ! this the members of the Club had carried all before them in the service matches, which tjnly went to show that Rifle Club members could hold ; their own in moveable a? well as sta- [ tionary shooting. In this com «c:ion he eulogised the performance of Mr D. McLeay, the winner of the service aggregate. The Mayor then addressed the , gathering. He could safely say the representatives of the Club were second to none in New Zealand. He considered the Defence Council had made a serious mistake in not including members of the Opaki Club in the team selected to shoot in Australia. (Applause). They had heard a good deal about compulsory military training, and he would point out that it was such as the Opaki Club and others who were doing their share of bringing that desirable reform about. It was not so much military training that was required as universal riflemen. Rifle shooting was also a manly sport, and to be successful it necessitated the cultivation of patience, endurance, caution and the leading of a strict and steady life. The speaker congratulated the members of the Club on their splendid performances during the year congratulated the Captain and memand in wi hin •; tham every £Ucess and prosperity express.d the hope th3t;th.eir membership would Increase, and their sphere of useful work would be still further extended.

The President's wife then handed the trophies won to the persons severally entitled, the recipients being heartily applauded. The President then mado a few congratulatory remarks, snd stated on behalf of Mrs Williams that the latter wished to present an annual tfophy, the terms of which could be decided by the Club. Priztfs were presented as follow: Club Championship, A class, shield, gold medal and cup, Rifleman G. Hyde, 1; Mr Hugh Morrison's oak tray, Rifleman R. J. King, 2; Mr C. Wilton's cruet, Rifleman W. J. Henry, 3. B class championship, Mr D. McGregor's silver cup and Mr C. Daniell's salad bowl, Rifleman M. Mcintosh, 1; Messrs Graham and Co.'s lamp, Rifleman, H. P. Perry, 2; Mr C. Wilton's carvers, Rifleman, W. J. Williams, 3; Mr F. Maunsell's silver tea and coffee service, for best long range aggregate for the seasons 1997 to 1909, Rifleman W J. Winslade, 1: Mr Hugh Morrison's rose bowl for best 200, 500 and 600 yards aggregate for the season, H. P. Perry, l; Mr W. G. Beard's marble clock for the most. number of wins in single competitions for seasons 1907 to 1909, G. Hyde, 1. The following trophies were won in si ngle competitions for the season 1908-09: — A class: Mr J. K. Blinkhorne's trophy won by A. J. Cameron; Club trophy, G. Hyde; Hyde and Go's crophy, won by H. Mawley; Chennells and Co.'s trophy, won by R. King; Krahagen and Chapman's trophy, won by Jr.o. McKenzie; D. McLachlin's trophy, won by W. Winslade; W. J. Henry's trophy, won by W. J. Welch. B class Messrs King and Henry's trophy, won by H. P. Perry; Club trophy, won by R. Harding; Mr J. Whittaker's trophy, won bv F. Hood; Club trophy, won by T. Evans; D. McCalmont's trophy, won by R. Harding; Club trophy, won by W. Hodges; D. McCalmont's trophy, won by H. P. Perry. Hearty cheers were then given for the President's wife and the Mayor. After the presentation of prizes dancing was indulged in till a late hour.