THE VOLUNTEERS.

Press, Volume XVIII, Issue 2687, 9 December 1871, Page 3

THE VOLUNTEERS.

Our Volunteer Corps have no reason to complain of want of inducements to perfect themselves in their several branches of the service. Last night no fewer than three presentations took place in the Orderly-room of the C.V.A., attached to the Drill-shed. The first prize was a very handsome silver inkstand presented for competition in firing by the non-commissioned officers of C.V.A. The conditions were that it should be won twice by the same competitor. These conditions having been fulfilled by Gunner Fox, the first time with a score of 44 points, and the second with 43 points, Captain Bird, on behalf of the donors of the prize, had much pleasure in handing it to Gunner Fox, at the same time expressing a hope that it would not be the last time he should have that pleasure. An inscription upon the inkstand recorded the names of the previous winning competitors, and likewise the name of the final winner. The former were Gunners Stephenson and Piper, with scores respectively of 34 and 41 points, the latter, as stated, Gunner Fox. The second presentation took the form of an elegant silver cup, the gift of Sergeant-Major Warner, to the highest scorer amongst the officers of the Battery. The same conditions were imposed as in the competition for the previous prize, the winner being Sergeant Roberts the first time, with a score of 53 points, and the second and decisive competition with a score of 50 points. The cup had been previously won once by Quarter-master Sergeant Raven, with a score of 54 points. Again, for the third time, Captain Bird officiated as prize bestower. The| gift was likewise a silver cup, the liberal donor being Sergeant-Major Warner. This prize was won conditionally by Gunner Long with the fine score of 67 points. The members of the Battery will have to exert themselves if they wish to wrest the prize from the hands of its present owner. After a few well chosen words of acknowledgment from the various recipients of the prizes, it was announced that another cup would be offered for competition by the non-commissioned officers of the Battery, to be open to the gunners and bandsmen who have never won a prize. The announcement was received with loud applause, and the proceedings then terminated.