OUR VOLUNTEERS.

North Otago Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4082, 12 October 1885, Page 2

OUR VOLUNTEERS.

_« (from a co-respondent). A very interesting aud pleasant rifle match took place at tb.B Waikouaiti range on Saturday between 10 men of the Waikouaili Rifles and 10 men of the Harapden Rifles, under command of Captains Sutherland and Murcott. The Hatnpdcn men arrived in Waikouaiti by train a few minutes past 11 o'clock, and j were welcomed by their brothers in arms at the station. A start was at once made for the butts, the first half of the way being pleasant walking, but by-and-by we got into a howling desert of sand, and as a stiff breeze waa blowing we were soon covered by the fine particles, while the hot sun shining on the white surface was very trying, but the boys took it all in good part. After arrival at the firing point Drill-Instructor M'Pherson, at the request of the officers, took command. The teams were told off into firing squads, and at once- commenced work, and from first to last not a hitch occurred and not an unkind word w.»s heard, but each vied to help each other in a true soldierly manner. At the close of the match the men fell in, and after the arras were inspected, proceeded to the Golden Fleece, at the kind invitation of Captain Sutherland, his officers and men. Over 30 officers and men sat down to table. Major Orbell occupied the chair, while Captain Sutherland filled the rice, both gentlemen being supported on right and left by the different officers present. After the word of command had been given a terrible attack waa made on the good things sat before the hungry riflemen. Yet amidst the clash of steel and crunch of ivory was heard the merry joke. At last the charge was over. The chairman then gp.ve the order to charge the glasses, and o drink to the health of the Queen, which was done with great enthusiasm and nouaicU honors. The vicechair then proposed the Ttoyal Family, J which was heartily responded to. Major Orbell then made a Bpeech, in which honor was done to our country's defenders. He proposed the Army, Navy, and Volunteers, coupled with the name of Drill Instructor M'Pherson. The m^jor was cheered to the echo, and the toaab drunk with great gusto. In structor M'Pherson responded in good style, and thanked the officers and men for the honor they had done him. Captain Sutherland, amidst great cheering, proposed the Hampden team, coupled with the name of Captain Murcott and his officers. The Hampden captain returned thanks in a very neat speech, in which were good wishes for volunteers, and especially for the Waikouaiti Rifles. Lieutenants M'Williams and M Kay also returned thanks, and good wishes for their Waikouaiti brethren. Captain Murcott next proposed in fluttering terms the health of the team that beat them that day, coupled with tho name of Captain Sutherland and his officers, and said he hoped to ace them Boon in Hampden, where they would do their best to thrash them, and also to welcome them as kindly as the Hampden men had been welcomed by the Waikouaili R'fLs. Captain Sutherland, Lieutenants White and Scott responded. Time was now up, and officers and men fell in and marched to the station. At the train hearty good-byes and cheers were given and returned, and this ended one of the pleasantest volunteer meetings held in Otago. I must not omit to say that notwithstanding the blinding Baud and burning sun (a la Esypt) we were honored by the presence of a numbor of the fair sex and a large number of the public. The following are the scores, which show that the Waikouaiti men boat us by 43 points. The conditions were ranges 200, 300, and 400 yards, five shots at each range, Wimbledon targets and scoring :