SHIELD PRESENTED

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 106, 7 May 1942, Page 5

SHIELD PRESENTED

GRAMMAR RIFLE TEAM

SCHOOL COMPLIMENTED

Presentation of the Weekly Press Challenge Shield to the school rifle team was made a ceremonial occasion at Auckland Grammar School.

The shield, which is competed for annually among secondary school cadet units in the North Island (a separate shield being similarly awarded in the South Island) was formally presented by Major G. R. Blackett, M.C., staff officer commanding No. 1 area, Auckland.

This is the second successive year in which the shield has been won by a Grammar team. It was also won by the school in 1938. An extensive outdoor military programme demonstrating the work of the school battalion had, as a result of steady rain, to be changed to indoor work, which was inspected by Major Blackett, who expressed pleasure at the keen interest shown by n.c.o. instructors, and the wide range of subjects covered. He also complimetned the boys on their work generally. At a subsequent gathering in the Assembly Hall members of the winning team were presented with the medals which accompany the shield, and the shield was then formally presented.

The winning team for 1941 were: Cpls. E. C. L. Otwaj', B. A. Wallace, Sergt. M. D. Foote, Cpl. R. W. Pilkington, Sergt. R. J. Fraill, R. F. Rankin, L.Cpl. K. J. O'Sullivan, R. J. Kendall, Sergt. J. H. Spencer, L.-Cpl. E. Lowe.

This team, having scored the highest points of all teams competing in both the North and South Islands, received also a cash prize of £10. To the assembly Major Blackett read an Army Order in which the Chief of the General Staff congratulated the winning team on their fine performance.

The Grammar team, said Major Blackett, had done honour to the Northern Military district.