RIFLE MATCH. WAIMATE V. OPUNAKE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 188, 21 December 1881, Page 2

RIFLE MATCH. WAIMATE V. OPUNAKE.

(rßoar oub oxrn corbespondbst.)

The Waimate and Opunake rifle teams met at the butts, Manaia, on Saturday, when very good firing indeed was made. However, the victory was won^ by the former. Taking into consideration the short notice given to the Waimate men, it was astonishing how satisfactorily everything was arranged. On the arrival of the Opunake men, they were met by Captain O'Brien and several other members of the Waimate Bines, and after having partaken of a good repast, which was in readiness for the Opunake team, all proceeded to the range, where a most enjoyable time was put in by the representatives of both corps during the contest. The officers and volunteers of the Waimate company paid marked attention 10 their opponents, -providing them with almost everything desirable to make the event interesting, which no doubt they have succeeded in doing, and the very favorable impression made will not be forgotten. At the close of the contest, Opunake gave three cheers for Captain O'Brien and his team, they in return alsogiving three cheers for Captain Cdffey and the Opunake team, when all adjourned to Mr. McCarthy's hotel,, whex-e a splendid table was in readiness, provided by the Waimate men. After justice had h&ftn done to the good things supplied, Captain O'Brien addressed the company shortly, hut appropriately ; at the close of which he eulogised the proficiency acquired by the Opunake men in target practice, and hoped the present meeting would be the means of fostering friendship and infusing a spirit of emulation with other companies, and keeping up the esprit de corps. After which the health of the Opunake team was drunk. Capt. Coffey, on rising, said on behalf of his corps he begged to return sincere thanks to the /officers, non-commissioned officers, and volunteers of the Waimatd Bifles in the praiseworthy manner they responded to the challenge, and, -the genuine hospitality accorded throughout, irrespective of inconvenience, or loss of time, and trusted that the present meeting was only one of many that will hereafter take place between both corps, concluded in proposing " The Health of Captain O'Brien an<3 the Waimate Bifles," which was drunk with enthusiasm. The health of Lieutenants Brightwell, Dixon, Boss, and Wilson, also, Color-Sergeants Stott and Chisholm were next drunk; and lastly, that of Mr. Bryce, which Captain Coffey said, in proposing that, Mr. Bryce's action in the | Native trouble has won for him a«widespread reputation of being the right man in the right placei and has restored confidence on this coast, which was never ! before enjoyed. After having thoronghly enjoyed themselves, the Opunake team bid their brother Bifles farewell, thft latter intimating paying their opponent* a visit shortly, which no doubt the Opunake Bifles look forward to with much interest. The following are the respective scores of the teams : —

Waima iaptain O'Brien ... Jeuk BrigMwell !lr.-Sgt. Chisk>lm lergt. Jones loi'pl. Hook rr 01. o l. Sykes, H. ... rr 01. o l. Sykes, F. ... rr 01. o l. Hood, J. r ol. Appleyard ... WE, K. V 200 23 28 24 26 26 24 22 19 21 V. 300 21 25 25 25 20 26 25 24 24 ' 400 Tl. 13—56 53— 76 23—72 23—74 22—68 20—70 19—66 17—60 20—65 Grand total 607

Opunake. 200 Captain Coffey ... 18 Lieut. Ross ... 24 Sergt. Stott ... 19 Vol. DesForges ... 27 Vol. Lowe ... 26 Corpl. Sander ... 25 Vol. Whibley ... 23s Vol. Goodwin ... rIA.r IA. Vol. Tucker ... • 26 Q#3nd total ... 300 22 25 24 25 -* 25 -'24 26 24 13 400 TL v 14-^5-4 20^-69 14—57 18—70 25—7613—62 21—69 13—61 8-47 565