CHRISTCHURCH.

Press, Volume II, Issue 49, 19 April 1862, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH.

CANTERBURY niFLE VOLUNTEERS. CHUISTCHUKCH COMPANIES. Shootinu Match.—The competition on the part of the Christelmrch Companies for the prize rifles offered ]>y the Messrs. Hebbert, took place on Wednesday last, nt tho new riflle range, in Hayluy Park. The men mustered nt the Magazine shortly before 9 o'clock, and marched up to the ground under Captains (Juiunees and Travers, ftiid under command of Captain Armstrong. The men tired alternately by companies, & rounds each, at the respective distnnees of I 100, '_'()(), and 300 yank The highest score was made by Mr. ! J. ISuHwick, of tlie Kaiapoi (No. f>) Company, who made 24 points. The highest score of the Chrietcliurch men was made by Private Thomas Johnston, viz.. 22. The average percentage, at the three ranges of jjoints made to shots fired, by 2s o. I Company was, 116, and by No. 2, 58. But it is but fair to mention that some of the competitors in the latter were entirely new hands, who had perhaps never pulled a trigger before. It may be doubted whether tliis is exactly prudent, it certainly wa3 a bold innovation of all established rules. The total number of competitors was 30. The day j was most delightful, and all that a marksman could possibly desire. A capacious tent was erected on the ground by the Volunteers, where th-;y were enabled to refresh themselves during the intervals of the firing, and to which their comrades of the other Canterbury companies (who were well represented on the ground) and visitors generally, were made most welcome. Towards the afternoon tho concourse of visitors was considerable, and there was a fair sprinkting of ladies. On the whole, as a public spectacle, the affair was must successful. Many gentlemen present, experienced in

such matters, declared the range to be one of the finest in the world. The distance from the city being under a mile, makes it accessible to all. ilnd when the arrangements are complete we predict, that with the attractions of the band which is now formed, and will shortly be available for all parades of the Volunteers, the very limited amusements of the citizens may he agreeably diversified by such gatherings as those of last "Wednesday. Wo are informed that the competition for the General Government (or as the Volunteers delight to call it, the " Queen's") prizes, will take place at the same ground, on next Wednesday week ; and should the weather he favorable, and the band be present (as we have reason to believe they Will) we promise the public a very agreeable afternoon's recreation. No. 5, (Kaiapoi) Company. On Tuesday, Ist April, the above company paraded at their butts for the purpose of competing for the prize rifles offered by Messrs. Hibburd & Co., to the four best rifle shots among the Volunteers in New Zealand. The competitors mustered twenty-one, two of whom (Messrs. Higgins and Wylde) fired as honorary members of the Company. The firing commenced about 10 o'clock, am. and the weather proving most favorable for the occasion, a large sprinkling of the fair sex were attracted to the spot, who contributed much to the success of the day by the lively interest they took in the proceedings, encouraging the Volunteers to renew exertion whenever they failed to score, and looking highly gratified when the bull's-eyes were signalled. The ground being tastefully decorated with flags, and tbe Company's band playing at intervals, made quite a gay scene for Kaiappi. The firing terminated about 4 o'clock, p.m. when the Adjutant read out the scores highly complimenting the Company on their success in having attained the highest score (28) as yet known to us. This was answered by three hearty cheers, wliich with three more for the ladies, and three for the best shot, terminated the day's proceedings. The above, with the score, has been kindly forwarded by one of the Kaiapoi officers. We select the highest scores

The remainder scored from 19 to 3. Church Quarterly Paper,—The third number of this work is now published, and with much that is useful and interesting to Churchmen, will be found more than one on subjects of general interest. The. first article contains a digest of the proceedings of the General Synod, at Nelson, in February last, and will bo read with pleasure by all the members of the Church of England, who we think will respond to the sentiment contained in the concluding paragraphs. "On the whole we believe the results of this session will be found valuable and important, chiefly because the Synod has wisely refrained from more legislation than circumstances rendered indispensable, while a body of useful information will be found contained in the reports of the several Committee which may in several particulars serve as the basis for future legislation. " The second paper is entitled " Traditions of the Middle Island." The substance of this paper is taken from the narrative of an old chief at Kaiapoi, who seems to have been what, among the American Indians, would be called "a medicine man ;" strange as it may appear, it certainly would eeem that the colonists of New Zealand know but little of the supposed origin and customs of the people whose country they are graduaUy occupying. As this account is evidently written by one who is thoroughly conversant with the subject, we are glad to see that another is promised by the same hand —to be followed, we hope, by many more. The third paper on "The Christchurch Orphan Asylum" gives a short outline of the intention of the founders, aud the mode as far as practicable, in which it is to be conducted. The article on / Norfolk Island contains extracts from the diary of a gentleman who accompanied Bishop Patteson on a visit in 185G, and will be found interesting to those who take an interest in such an extensive field of enterprise as the Melanesian Mission. "Our Schools—How to use them" contains some practical hints which, if atteuded to, cannot fail to be productive of profit to teacher and scholars. The Church Intelligence contains the latest clerical appointments in the diocese, aud other matter interesting to Churchmen. It may not be out of place to call attention to an advertisement in this day's issue, relating to the Church collections to-morrow (Easter Day,) as they are to be regarded as an Easter offering to the Curate. Next week our two musical societies give their entertainments, the rehearsals for which have during the last few weeks have created no little sensation. Having attended these rehearsals we can venture to promise our old Exeter HaU and Philharmonic Coucert goers, that any money laid out in the purchase of tickets for either concert, will be a very satisfactory investment For particulars, we refer our readers to the published programmes. T. W. Mande, and H. P. Lance, Esqrs., were elected on Monday last, members of the Provincial Council for the district of Sefton. Mr. Maude was proposed by Mr. C. H. Pemberton, and seconded by Mr. McFarlane. Mr. Lance was proposed by Mr. J. Leith, and seconded by Mr. Dampicr. There were no other candidates.

made. mail SCOKE. W. H. Revell8. Beswick - F. Pay - W. Wright - R. Higgins - R. Wright - A. Blakiston - E. Revell - H. Boddington 100 200 300 Bulls Cmyurds yards yards Total eyes trcs - 12 10 6 28 3 9 -9 10 8 27 4 5 - 9 10 6 25 3 5 - 11 9 5 25 2 8 - 10 4 10 24 2 8 - 12 7 4 23 3 5 - 0 5 8 22 2 l> - 8 7 5 20 1 T> - 9 7 4 20 1 7 Outers! 1 5 0 3 o 4 4 7 3 M. o t> 4