GREY RIFLE CLUB

Grey River Argus, 3 July 1914, Page 5

GREY RIFLE CLUB

ANNUAL SOCIAL,

The second annual social to mark the close of the season of the Grey Defence Rifle Club was held the Oddfellows' Hall last evening, when there was an excellent muster of members. The patron of>the Club, Mr. G. T. Moss, presided, whilst the president, Captain P. Sotheran, occupied the vice-chair. The chairman, in a few suitable words, welcomed the company, and wishing that all would spend an enjoyable evening. The chairman read apologies from His Worship the Mayor, and Messrs Holmes, Perotti, Wade, Benzoni, . Skoglund, and Captains. Browns and Wray. The Chairman then proposed the usual patriotic toast, after which the "Navy and Army" was proposed by Captain Sotheran and ably responded to by Major Austin. The Chairman then called upon Mr. E. J. Smith, to propose the principal toast "The Greymouth Defence Rifle Club." " Mr. Smith said it gave him great pleasure in proposing the toast. Speaking as an old volunteer, he appreciated the good work the Club was doing, but maintained that the Government should give rifle clubs greater encouragement than they were" doing at the present time. Rifle clubs served a double purpose — they provided the opportunity of having a friendly day's shooting, as well as fitting members for the more serious task of defending them if the occasion ever arose. He was very pleased to be present that evening and wished the club every success, and hoped the members would, in the future, show improvement on their already fine performances. It was satisfactory indeed to see many old ..members present that evening, also to see the number of trophies on view, being the winnings of the members of the , Club. In conclusion h n trusted that members would be spared to spend many. days' pleasant shooting on the rifle range. — (Applause). . Tbe = toast which was honoured with enthusiasm, was coupled . with the I names of the President, Captain Soth- ; eran; the Vice-President,- Mr. J. Nash; and the Secretary, Mr. Martin. In responding, Captain Sotheran, said he had to congratulate the Club on the successful season experienced. The administration of /the Club had all that could be desired, aiuLthe competi tions had been very enjoyable. The Club had been very fortunate in the matter of trophies, and they could hardly thank the donors enough for their generosity. He wished these gentlemen would come out on the range sometimes and see the enthusiasm which their trophies had produced. The Club had been represented at both Trentham and Redcliffe, at the latter place with great success. Their members had been fortunate in securing the services of Mr. MaTtin as secretary, for this gentleman had managed the affairs of the club in a splendid manner, and it was much to their secretary's ability that they owed the success of the Club. Mr. Nash, the vice-president, said he considered the best shots, had been kept back from the Redcliffe and Trentham meetings. — (Applause). There was no doubt as to the value of rifle, and if ever their services were ever required, he felt sure that members would willingly respond to the call. Mr. Martin, the secretary, said as the first season had been such a successful one the club had decided to effect improvements at the range. The first was the erection of a telephone, which had proved a great boon. The next was a shed on the range which had been a great convenience. Referring to General Hamilton's report, the speaker considered rifle clubs were not encouraged to the extent they should. The Government should provide/ at least two meetings a year. The first shoot for Mr. Forsyth. 's trophy was decided on the last shot, and was won by Captain Sotheran. The next was the Badger Cup, the winner being Rifleman Garth. He was pleased to be secretary of a club which had as a member a > rifleman who had put a score of 104 off the rifle in a three range competition, The shootist being Rifleman Eric Moss. They had been successful in defeating their old rivals the Kanieri Rifle Club, in Hokitika, at Christmas time. The Bromley Belt had been won by Rifleman West. A competition, provided for by a grant from the Government, had produced good shooting, and was won by a Kanieri rifleman. Dr. McKay's trophy had made for some fine shooting between Riflemen Garth and Kells, and was won by the former. A shoot for a pipe and tobacco pouch, was won by- the President, which he had generously returned to the Club. Whilst Dr. J. W. Mcßrearty 's medal went to Rifleman Barrowman. The Champion Cup, which had been running through all the competitions, had been won by Captain Sotheran. This contest was off the rifle only. Rifleman Garth, who had shot most consistently, Mad annexed the Championship Shield, which competition allowed a handicap. The Club was now in a most satisfactory condition. They were strong numerically and sound financially. The range was being gradually improved,, and the marker had given every satisfaction. He (the speaker) thanked members for the assistance they had given him in tne carrying out of his duties, which had made his work very light. The donors of trophies deserved the best thanks of the Club, and their generosity had provided many pleasant competitions., . The team which visited Christchurch, consisting of four men, had done excellently, for Rifleman Jas. McKay had annexed the Stead and Rhodes Cups, and missed the Championship by a point) which was an exceedingly fine performance.— (Ap). plause The toast of "The Visitors" was proposed by Mr. James -McKay, and was responded to by Quarter-Master Sergeant Bates, Major Austin, Dr. Usher and Messrs W. Greig (senr.), and W. Bennington. The Chairman then made the presentations to the trophy winners of the

year. He had great pleasure in presenting Captain Sotheran with the Championship Cup. Captain Sotheran had been one of the founders as well as one of the best workers in the interest of the club. He congratulated the winner on his very fine shooting. The other trophy winners were as follows^ . Lieut. Col. Morris's Championship Shield: Rifleman W. Garth. Bromley Belt: Rifleman A. E. West. Mr. J. Tennent 's Cup: Rifleman W. Garth. Mr. R. C. Forsyth 's Medal: Captain Sotheran. Dr. J. W. Mcßrearty's Medal: Rifleman Barrowman. Dr. McKay's Trophy: Rifleman W. Garth. President's Trophy: Rifleman O. Sotheran. Last, but not least, the Chairman said he had to present Rifleman James McKay witn the Stead and Rhodes Cups won at Christchurch. He congratulated the winner on his very line performance at ChTistchurch, and they ! felt very proud at having riflemen in the club who could bring such trophies ] to the West JHoast. — (Appiause)., The toast of "Kindred Sports" was ably proposed by Dr. Mcßrearty, and responde # d to by Messrs Nash (boxing), E. J. Smith (bowling) and West (football). Other toasts honoured were: "The Ladies," <'The Press" and "The Chairman". During the evening an excellent programme of songs and other musical items was gone through, and added much to the enjoyment of . the occasion. Songs were given as follows : : — ■Mr. W. Greig ("Wee Doch an' Dor-' ris"); Mr. J. T. Martin ("Long Live the King");! Mr. W. Reid ("Queen of the Earth"), Mr. G. T. Moss ("Humble Joe*), Capt. Cribb (".Round the Camp Fire"), Mr. Nash ("Come and Have a Drink With Me"). Mr. Erie Moss contributed a pianoforte selection in good style. Mr. G. Moss made a most efficient accompanist. • ■ The singing of "God Save -the King" and "Auld Lang Syne" concluded a most pleasant evening.