THE CONQUERING HERO.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2593, 12 March 1923, Page 5

THE CONQUERING HERO.

CIVIC RECEPTION TO RIFLEMAN L. G. LOVED AY. ! Rifleman L. G. Loveday, whose name in New Zealand is practically synonymous with “bull's-eyes,” and who re. , turned on Saturday fresh from win- j I uing the coveted King's Prize and Bal- : linger Belt, was accorded a civic re- | ceptiou in the Band Rotunda, Rifle- ■ man Loveday arrived at tim station by 1 fife New Plymouth express. He little | expected to be met by a crowd of rille- , men from ills own club, and was p doubly surprised to be ushered along j to the Square to the strains of the K Municipal Band to receive full recognition of his feat by tire people of Palmerston North. A big crowd assem. bled, including many well-known rifleshots, not a few of whom had competed more or less successfully , against the champion. Councillor M. v H. Oram officiated in the absence of t the Mayor (Mr .1. A. Nash), and the y Deputy Mayor (Councillor S. It. Ban- t. caster). On behalf of tiro citizens of Palmerston North, Councillor Oram extended a hearty welcome to the champion on bis return after having again fought his way to tin; top. "The true merit of the performance ® is only known to us who know (lie , tricky moods of Trentham; its sudden "fish-tail” winds, and other difficulties. J l , We realise Ural Rifleman Boveday’s performance is no mean feat.” said Cr. ' Oram. The champion came from a family of true sports, and both Ins fa- v thor and brolher in (heir time had won t distinction. In 10] I he, was a compe- u l itor at Bisley and shot brilliantly, nnd p ; in 191 0 ho annexed (he highest trophy e that it was possible, for anyone to win ■ the King's Prize. As this necessitated his firing against (he champions of the world, it proved conclusively that Rifleman Loveday was not merely a Dominion champion, but a world's champion. (Applause.) The citizens of Palmerston North were naturally Q very proud of Riflema n Loveday, and |.p indeed he foil that the I.inton Rifle u Club felt highly honoured at having Lj, the name Loveday associated with the U v club, oilier members of which also ac- p quitted themselves with honours. in Mr H. L. Young, president of the ai Chamber of Commerce, Mr B. J. sc Jacobs, representing the Returned Sol- si diers’ Association, Mr H. Akers, presi- si dent of the Linton Club, and Major Bell, on behalf of the Central Commaud, all paid a high tribute, to Rifle- 01 man Loveday. In returning thanks to the speakers and to the people whom they represented, Rifleman Loveday said he had “ scarcely anticipated such a flattering tl reception from such a big place as m Palmerston North, but he appreciated their interest to the full. "It would cl seem more appropriate, perhaps, in Pigeon Bush, or somewhere like that. where the bands turn out in full force m on every litle occasion, but for Palmer. ston North it had never entered my H! head, and as you may well imagine, I ar feel somewhat diffident in facing you.” He jocularly referred to acme of his earlier experiences in the back-blocks, , n where one went on to the verandah j 0 every time a horse went by. (Laugh. ni ter). On one occasion, whilst living at pc VVoodville, he returned from England fle liter “doing rather well," as he chose p] to put it, and the Woodville Bgnd, jof which had been non est for about [Bi ?even years, turned out to give him a hr welcome home, but Palmerston North, da —well,he was exceelingly grateful,any. nc way. At all events, he hope 1 that his th mccess would have the effect of stimu- de at’ng rifle shooting in Palmerston O* Yorth particularly, and everywhere “i flse in general- P. Cheers were given for Rifleman loveday, and tor the other members )f the Club who had done well at I’rentham, na :uYy, Riflemen Ai;(” s, e ‘. fhomas, Barton, Mayhew and Needtarn. Cr. Oram extended hearty hanks to the band, and the ceremony an dosed with the National Anthem, a.