RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3770, 26 March 1891, Page 2

RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

PRESENTATION OF PRIZES,

The presentation of prizes in connection with the recent meetihgof the Wairarapa Rifle Association took place in the Masterton Drill Hall last evening. Besides a large number of Volunteers, there was a good attendance of the public, principally ladies. The platform was occupied by Major and Mrs Donald, wi th two lady friends, Captain Pownall, Lieuts, Thompsoa and Hooper, the Rev, W. E. Paige (chaplain), and Mr A, W. Hogg, M.H.R. I

Belore the presentation, which was made by Mrs Donald, Capt. Pcwnall explained tnat this was the first time such an event had occurred under the auspices of the Masterton company. He referred to the alteration made in the management of the Association, and stated that the event of the recent meeting was undoubtedly the winning of the Champion Belt by Sergeant Matthews. It was pleasing to find that a number of civilians had taken part in the competition, and ho expressed the hope that the meetings of the Association in the future would be even more successful than in the past. In conclusion he expresssd his gratification at seeing such a large attendance of the public. Mr Hogg, M.U.R., in a few concise remarks, congratulated the Association on the success of its late meeting. He was pleased to see that the Masterton corps had upheld the honour and prestige of the district, and he was particularly pleased to lind that the principal trqphy—the belt—had fallen to one whom he considered to be one of the best volunteers in the district (cheers). He believed the Vol mi fceer movement had a good future By the partial disarmament of the defence force he could see that more attention was to be paid to the Volunteer movement (cheers). If ever the colony required defending, he felt sure the people would look to the Volunteerr for that defsneo. Ho congratulated th„ Masterton corps on the efficiency of its officers, which he considered to be the rea?on'of its coming to tho front. He hoped they would continue to prosper (cheers). ■Sergeant Matthews was then called forward, and was presented by Mrs Donald with the Champion Belt, the President'3medal and Mr Dickson's special prize, amidst deafening cheers. Major Donald, on behalf of Mrs fi&nald, copgratulated Sergeant MAthews oq his success, Ho had, by

perseverance, become ono of the best shots in the colony (cheers). The reaming prizes were presented as follows : Civilian Rutherfurd (Carterton), Mr Dougall's medal and £8 5s in cash. ' Vol. H Hoffeins, the "Star" medal and .£4 15s. Corporal Bgntley, J. Graham and Co.'s bos of tea and £3 15s. Vol. Whiteman (Featherston), Townsend and Cowper's whip. Captain Jury (Papawai), Mr Elliotte's pair of spurs. Vol, Tidswell v Feather3ton), Mr Holmes' spesial prize. Sergt. Oakley (Wellington), Wong You's bag of oatmeal. Vol J. Toclcer (Featherston), L. J Hooper and Co's prize. Civilian Kuminer,' 18s. Civilian Rutherfurd, 10s. Major Donald, Mr Elkins' trophy and 15s. Vol. C, Perry, 10s. Corporal Blaine, £B. Volunteer Rait (Wellington), £i. Lieut Benton (Featherston), £l. Captain Cameron (Greytown), 10s. Vol. D McLachlan, £l. Vol Parker, ss, Civilian V Wardell, £l. The proceedings were brought to a close by the passing of votes of thanks to the ladies present, especially to Mrs Donald, and to the donors of the special prizes.