NAPIER RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3515, 13 October 1882, Page 3

NAPIER RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.

PRESENTATION OF COMPANY PRIZES. Tbe Rifle Volunteers mustered last evening opposite the Theatre Royal, and, preceded by their band, marched, under the command of Lieutenant Cato to the Provincial Council Chamber, where the annual distribution of prizes for last year's firing took place. There was a good muster of tbe rank and file, the following officers and non-commis-sioned officers being also present:—Major Routledge, officer commanding the district, Captain Blythe, Lieut. Cato, SubLieut. King, and Sergeants Cantle, Chicken, Redward, and Duncan. The platform end of the ball was tastefully decorated, with the design " N.R.V." displayed on the wall beneath a floral wreath surmounted by crossed swords. On the platform table were placed the several prizes, while at either side was a stand of arms garlanded Vr4th flowers. There was a fair attendance of the general public, including several ladies. His Worship tbe Mayor occupied tbe chair, and on the platform with him were Major Routledge and Captain Blythe. The Mayor said it afforded him great pleasure to take the chair on an occasion like the present, for though he was not a volunteer officer, he had " smelt powder" both in New Zealand and elsewhere, and therefore he knew from experience what was expected from soldiers. Tbe late Mr Darwin had told the world distinctly in his in both tbe animal and vegetable kingdoms there bad always existed a continued struggle for existence. Trees, shrubs, plants, and everything in nature were continually warring with each other for the best land or for that roost suited to their several requirements, and the same thing was observable amongst the lower orders of animals. But the only part of animated creation that really fought for the mere pleasure of fighting—-for the mastery of one part of society over another—was man. Man bad always been a fighting animal from the time that Cain raised his hand and slew his brother Abel, and even to-day the latest intelligence from Alexandria was looked forward to with interest. The Chairman then proceeded to give an interesting account of the various weapons of warfare used by man from the most primitive days down to the present time, showing the advancement that bad been

made io this respect in the various ages of the world's history. He concluded by pointing out the absolute necessity that now existed, with the present style of rifles, for careful aiming. So accurate were modern arms that, if aimed straight, they knew to an inch or two where the bullet would strike at half-a-mile. It was therefore absolutely necessary for the modern soldier or voluteer to make a study of the use of the rifle. He hoped no volunteer imagined tbe only duty he would ever be called upon to perform waa to " play at soldiers." History reminded us that every state must expect sooner or latter to take up arms and fight for its existence, and—although he hoped that day was far off—the day would come when _\'ew Zealand would require to do the same. Our country was much too beautiful and valuable not to attract envious foes, and when 6uch a crisis arrived New Zealand's citizens would have to act as her defenders, and those men would be the beet soldiers who could fire their guns or rifles with the most precision. The Mayor then described the conditions under which the prizes were awarded, viz.:—Points to be added to score on the target at tbe rate of two points for every Government inspection, and one point tor every company drill attended. There were 16 competitors in the first matcb, and 10 in the second. The prize-takers were as follows : — First Match.—lst, Captain Blythe's prize, Private Grossman, 69 target, 23 drill; total, 92. 2nd, Lieut. Cato's prize, Private J. Frame, 68 target, 23 drill ; total, 91. 3rd, Sub-Lieut. King's prize, Privato Reck, 67 target, 23 drill ; total, 90. Second Match.—lst, Non-commissioned officers' prize, Sorgfc. Chicken, 50 target, 23 drill; total, 73. 2nd, company prize, Private Cato, 47 target, 23 drill; total, 70. Sub-Lieut. King scored 69, but was disqualified in consequence of having won an Association prize. Mrs Blythe then distributed the prizes, accompanying each presentation with a few suitable remarks. After tbe presentation Major Routledge complimented the company on the large > attendance, and remarked that the prizes just distributed had been well and honestly won. To those who were unsuccessful he would say "Go in for more practice, and do not allow those who have taken prizes this year to appropriate them again next year." He did not like to see the same volunteers winning the chief prizes year after year, and it was only by constant practice and close attention to drill and target practice that the younger members could hope to take a foremost position. It was just as mnch a duty of every man in the ranks to attend and pay proper attention to company drills and inspections as it was tbe duty of their officers to be present to drill them. They must do so to become proficient, and to receive tbe capitation fees. He had now one or two important communications to make. When Mr Bryce, the defence Minister, was in Napier last Saturday, be (Major Routledge) interviewed him and asked that the Hawke's Joff//jfc)]unteerg might be placed on tbe as those of Canterbury and other places, in being provided with a proper drill-shed. Mr Bryce admitted that tbe local volunteers were placed in a false position, but stated that the funds at his disposal would not allow him to promise a drill-shed. He, however, promised a subsidy of £1 for £1 if the volunteers would subscribe to build a suitable shed. He (Major Routledge) asked them to consider this. An immediate answer was not required, but he would urge the advantage of a drill shed, where arms could be left and properly ]ooked af ter,and where drills could be held. With respect to clothing Mr Bryce stated that it was intended to clothe all the New Zealand Rifle corps in a uniform dress. What that was he (Major Rout-

ledge) did not know, but a specimen would shortly be pent to him. Major r Routledge then referred in feeling terms to tbe death of the honorary colonel of the corpa — Lieut.-Colonel Lambert. Colonel Lambert was tbe old adjutant of the 62nd regiment, and he had the honor of being presented with a sword by Lord FitzClarence as an acknowledgment of bis bravery. He was also adjutant of

this district when Colonel Douglas of the 14th Regiment, was in command. Subsequently, he was appointed Major, and then Lieut.-Colonel of Volunteers and Militia. He (Major Routledge) would not say more than this—that if it were decided to give their late honorary colonel a military funeral he hoped every volunteer in the district would make it a point of honor to pay a last mark of respect to one who had borne arms in active service with some of those present.

Captain Blythe said that there were some features in connection with the present distribution of prizes that be could look upoa with satisfaction and pleasure. Tbe evenness of the shooting, as illustrated in the scores obtained by the prize winners, was one of those features, while another was the very pleasing fact that some of the new members hi»d come well to tbe front as good shots this year. The oldest volunteers hod not secured all the prize*, as Major Routledge bad stated. Several new men had taken first honors, while those who were hitherto accustomed to be first, now took lower positions. Tha shootiDg season was now fast approaching, and it would be the object of tbe officers to promote shooting as much as possible during tbe ensuing season, and good prizes would be offered. Lieut. Cato proposed a vote of thanks to the Mayor for presiding, and the proceedings terminated.