THE VOLUNTEERS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2497, 4 January 1869, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE VOLUNTEERS.

The events of the past month have, with one exception, been of a very unimportant nature. Since the encampment, drill or public assemblies have not received much attention, and rifle matches form the only noticeable proceedings. Foremost amongst these, is that for Mrs Weld’s cup, which took place on the 16th ult.—Anniversary Day. Being awarded the same distinction as that given to the trophy previously offered by Mr Weld, the cup was a reward coveted and prized above all others for such competitions, and every corps sent its crack shots to contest the ownership. The day being anything but favourable to steady firing, the somewhat severe conditions imposed rendered it a question of great doubt whether a successful man would be found, and perhaps no previous match was watched with greater interest. The new range, completed only a few days ago by the general committee, threw further difficulties in the way, for its peculiar position under the Port Hills rendered judgment in windage allowance a very nice matter, whilst the absence of a practice ground up to within 'a day or two of the match entirely precluded the preparation necessary on such occasions; Under these circumstances, Private Maddison, of No. 6 Company Rifles, who succeeded in topping the minimum score by one point, deserves more than ordinary credit, his 87 on this occasion being equal to the best firing yet recorded in the province. The conditions were seven shots at 300,400, 500, and 600 yards, any position, and the winner not to make less than 86 points. The cup was valued at £25, and is one of the finest specimens of workmanship we have seen. Tiie only other shooting to be recorded is a competition for prizes raised by subscription. It took place on Saturday, the 19 th ult., and the conditions were five shots eacli at 200, 300, and 400 yards; Hythe position, Wimbledon regulations, 50 members, and six prizes. A portion of the day was very unfavourable, but the foiiowiugresults will show that not only good shooting was made, but that the firing was close. The Ist prize, silver lever watch, value £7, was secured by Lieut. Pavitt, Engineers, 46 points. 2nd prize, gilt French clock, value £6—Private Frew, No. 6, 44 points. 3rd prize, silverplated inkstand, value £4 10s—Private M. Cunningham, No. 6,42 points. 4th prize, silver-plated fruit basket, value £2 15s— Gunner Whale, Christchurch Artillery, 38 points. sth prize meerschaum pipe and case, value 35s—Corporal Paton, No. 6,35 points. 6th prize, gold and turquoise pin, value 30s —J. D. Woodford, 35 points. In minor details we have only to note the retirement of Capt. Moore from the command of the Christchurch Artillery, and the first parade of the Royal Irish Volunteers. Capt. Moore will be succeeded by Mr J. A. Bird, formerly an officer in one of the Australian Artillery corps.. The Royal Irish did not muster very strong on the occasion referred to, but rumour speaks confidently of the corps ultimately becoming a strong one. No officers have yet been nominated.