SOCIAL GATHERING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 April 1939, Page 6

SOCIAL GATHERING

MASTERTON-OPAKI RIFLE CLUB. PRESENTATION OF PRIZES. The Masterton-Opaki Rifle Club concluded a most successful season with a social gathering in the Cosy Tearooms last night. There was a large attendance of members and their friends and all spent a thoroughly enjoyable time. Musical and other items were : rendered and dancing followed, to excellent music provided by Miss Bouzaid.

The cups and other trophies won during the year were presented by Mr G. Hyde, a foundation member of the club and at one time one of the best shots in New Zealand. Mr Hyde, who was introduced by the president of the club, Mr H. H. Mawley, said that the deep shadow which had overhung the world a year ago was perhaps now even a little more intensified and the position was such that it required serious thought from everyone. Apart from it being such a splendid sport, rifle shooting had its practical uses and was one form of sport that deserved every encouragement. A proposal that youths and senior college boys should be taught how to handle a rifle was a splendid idea, while the Government’s appeal for 50,000 men to form the nucleus of a home defence form should be backed up by everyone. It was difficult to say how long we would continue to enjoy our freedom and it was up to all of us to play our part. In presenting the. trophies as follows, Mr Hyde congratulated the successful competitors on their performances:— Club championship and medal, J. W. Curtin; Donald Cup, J. W. Curtin; Minton Bowl, J. W. Curtin; Smith Tankard, J. W. Curtin; short, long and combined range aggregate of the second field day, J. W. Curtin; handicap championship, B. R. Jenkins; Hood Cup, B. R. Jenkins; Williams Rose Bowl, B. R. Jenkins; long range aggregate of first field day, B. R. Jenkins; Maunsell Cup and miniature, H. K. Smith; Wrigley Rose Bowl. H. K. Smith; Kummer Cup, H. K. Smith; R. J. King Cup, D. P. Donald; short range and combined aggrevate on first field day, V. E. Donald; Mr H. H. Mawley’s special prize for the most improved shot, I. Sutherland. Apologies for absence were received from the member for the district, Mr J. Robertson, the patron of the club, Mr J. McKenzie Senr., and others. A most enjoyable sit down supper was served during which a number of toasts were honoured, reference being made by speakers to the success enjoyed during the past season.