THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XI, Issue 550, 25 May 1880, Page 5

THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY.

The 60th anniversary of the birth of the Queen'was yesterday celebrated in the Cromwell district in the usual loyal manner. The leading events of the holiday were the Volunteer demonstration, held this year at Bannockburn, and the annual meeting of the Dunstan District Gun Club at Cromwell. The latter event brought a goodly number of members and visitors from various parts of the County, and considerable interest was evinced as the several matches went on. Prizes to the value of close on £4O were provided, so it may be judged that the competition to secure a place was keen and well contested. The chief event was the Cup .Handicap (10 birds) for which eleven members entered. The first prize (valued at 17 guineas) was secured by Mr Tudor Mackay, the second by Mr S. M. Dalgliesh, and the third by Mr John Stronach. Birds being plentiful (close on 300 being available) a series of sweepstake handicap matches were also got up this forenoon. In the first (five birds) Mr A. Mackay carried off best prize, and Mr Dignan second. A three-bird consolation closed the meeting, the result lying between Messrs Adair and Turton. Cartridges running short, these gentlemen divided the prize. The sport attracted a considerable number of people, and altogether the meeting was voted a very pleasant one. We are informed that at a meeting of the Club afterwards held four new members were proposed and elected.

The Volunteer gathering at Bannockburn did not in any special degree differ from the general run of such events. The chief item of interest was a match with the Clutha Kifles—ten men a side, seven shots each at 200 (8-inch bull's-eye), 400, and 500 yards. Knowing that their antagonists have almost a colonial reputafion for good shooting, the Cromwell men had but faint hopes of success, and at most only strove to avoid a bad beating. The total points scored by the ten men were 632, giving an average of over centres a performance, it will be granted, highly creditable, and one that will take a good deal of beating, to use an ordinary expression. As it turned out, this score was too much for the Clutha men, who fell short of it by 34 points-their total being telegraphed to-day as 598. As will be noticed from the attached detailed score the Cromwell team pulled up wonderfully at the long range—indeed, it was nere the victory was secured. The scores made by the match men were :—■

Total 632 The residents of Bannockburn having contributed a sum of money, the principal donors being Messrs Angel '(L3 35,) Stewart,

Bennett, and Richards, a programme wafl drawn up for a handicap match. The prizes were eight in number, ranging from L2 2s to ss. The first prize fell to Bandsman Henry, with a score of 74(10 handicap); second, Lieut. Jolly (scratch), 71; third, Volunteer j Pryde ; 4th, Captain Brown ; sth, Sergt. Graham ; 6th, Volunteer A. Aitken ; 7th, Sergt. Story ; Bth hon. Vol. Stewart. The i prizes were presented on parade by Oapt. • Brown, after the usual royal salute had been fired, and three ringing cheers given for the Queen. After dismissal, the men were entertained at Angel's by the officers, and a very pleasant half-hour was spent. A dance had been arranged for by host Angel, and a pleasant night finished up what was a really enjoyable holiday.

200yds. 400yds. 500yds. T1 Lieut. Jolly ... 24 26 21 — 71 Sergt. Story ... 20 23 25 — 68 Vol. Pry do ... 22 23 23 - 68 Vol Aifcken .. 22 26 20 - 68 Sergt. Graham 22 18 23 — 66 Gapt. Brown ... 20 23 21 — 64 Bandmn. Henrv 20 23 21 — 64 Col.-Sgt. Grabb 20 23 16 — 59 Corp. Menzies... 19 18 17 - 54 Vol. Scott 21 21 8 - 50