THE CHAMPIONSHIP.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 115, 2 May 1868, Page 3

THE CHAMPIONSHIP.

We have during the week informed our readers as to the winners of the Colonial Prizes at Wellington. On Wednesday the whole of the Wellington Volunteers mustered to do them honor. A procession was formed, and on arrival at Government House, the party was drawn up to form three sides of a square, and in front a most distinguished party were assembled, including Mrs. Stafford, and the Hon. Col. Haultahi and Major Richardson. Mrs. Stafford then addressed the assembled Volunteers in s. neat speech, which we regret wo cannot find room for on the present occasion. As the name of each winner was called out, the medal was pinned to their breasts, and the prizes handed to them by Mrs. Stafford, as follows: Ist Prize, Ist set—Taylor, Champion Holt, with seven clasps, each clasp having the name of the winner who hud held it for a year, gold prize medal, and purse of 75 sovs; also second prize of the 3rd set, a purse of 10 sovs; also first prize of the -fth set, consisting of a medal and purse of 15 sovs; also the second prize of the sth set, of a Green’s breech-loading carbine. In presenting these prizes, Mrs. Stafford said— Sergeant Taylor, I congratulate you on the victory you have won, and, through you, the Volunteers of the Province of Otago, who on three successive occasions carried away with honor the Champion Heir.

2nd Prize, Ist set —Christie, silver medal and £SO.

3rd Prize, Ist set —Wales, medal and £3O; also 2nd prize of the 4th set, of a purse of 10 sovs. 4th Prize, Ist set—M'Farland, medal and £2O. In tiie second set the first prize of a medal and ■£’ls was given to Brass, and Chisholm took the second of a purse of 10 sovs.

The first prize of the 3rd s> t was won by King, of the Unit; it consisted of a medal and a purse oi 10 sovs.

The first prize of the sth set was one of Hay’s breech-loading rifles; it was won by Stevens, of Otago.

I'he Cadet prizes were won by John Tait, of Blenheim, and Bo water, of Wellington. The first prize was a medal and .£'lo, and the second a purse containing 5 sovs. In giving them, Mrs. Stafford said—Cadet Tait, i have a peculiar pleasure in handing to you the first Colonial prize which has been awarded to any member of a Cadet corps. I

know you will prize it, and that its possession will stimulate you to increased exertion, so that it may ho your happy lot some day to compete successfully for the Champion Belt. This terminated the distribution of prizes, and Col. Haultain called for three cheers for the Queen, three cheers for Mrs. Stafford, and three cheers for the successful competitors. All were heartily responded to.