VOLUNTEERS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 5288, 28 May 1904, Page 5

VOLUNTEERS.

PRESENTATION OF SHOOTING PRIZES. In tho hall above the Wellington N* vals’ Boat Station a “social” was held last evening, when tho trophies wdn in tho shooting competitions during Jtho sear* son were presented by Mrs A. S. Biss. The principal prize-taker was PotlyOfficer Ross, who obtained the fine average of 4.27 out of a possible 5 throughout a long Bowes of matches. Besides winning the Belt (for the second time), Ross received a special clas" for the medal ■n-hich was presented to him on his former win ami .tx?. Do also won the trophies presented by Captain Duncan ana Mr Shepherd. Other winners in A Class wore C.P.O. Harris (Mr Rogers s trophy) and Gunner Day, (Gunner Caulton's trophy). , , . i , : In B Class Petty-Offioer James obtained . : the highest aggregate, . winning Mr , Prices'a (New Zealander Hotel) trophy. P.O. Skelton was second, receiving the company's trophy; P.O. McKay was third, and also obtained a prize. . : Gunner Dickson obtained too highest aggregate in C Class, and obtained iMV-. Fairway’s (Silver Grid) trophy. J?,O. Hepbume, Gunners Bishop, Dickson, a nil Gott also won prize®. _ TT Mr St. Lawrence, of tho Alhambra Hotel,presented six guineas—two guineas for each class—for the competitors who obtained the most number of bull s-eyos. In A Class TO. Ross was the winners, m B Class P.O. Skelton; and in C Class Gunner Bishop. . . Prizes for the Moms-tube competitions held last year were also presented, H In A Class P.O. Ross was the winner;; ”i nant Cooper’s trophy. In B Claes FottyOfiioer Skelton also secured a prize presented by Lieutenant Cooper, Captain Bell, before the Belt was handed to Pet.ty-Oflicer Boss, remarked that it had been.'in competition for nearly a quarter of a century, Captain Charles Johnson having presented it in 1881 It was one of tho olde.st belts being'fired for in the colony, and he was pleased that some of the earlier winners , of it wore still members of tho corps. Captain Bis® said that he hoped that - «dx of the prize-winners this year would not be here to receive trophies nest year he hoped they would bo members of a Bisley team. ';' After tho prize© were distributed. Captain Bell- called for three cheers ter Mrs Biss, announcing at tho same time that Mr Biss, who had been acting-cap-tain for some time, had been promoted to the staff. Dancing was kept up till ? late hour.

The fourth annual report of the Wellington Engineer Volunteer Corps congratulates members on the progress made and the fact that the corns is now established on a firm basis. Tho financial position is satisfactory, there bring a balance to credit of .£l3l. The annual . camp, held at Mahanga Bay in February, was an unqualified success. Colonel Webb, who paid a visit to Hie camp, oppressed himself highly satisfied with the. manner in which the work was carried : out. Tho annual examination for efficiency badges was held soon after tho camp and resulted in about twenty members qualifying. A large number of men have resigned during the year, and at tho prosent time the corps consists of three officers and fifty-five men. As the company is allowed to capitate up to eighty-iour, , ; this leaves room for recruits, and it is hoped members will do their utmost to bring the corps up to its full strength. During the year Lieutenant Charters was transferred to Masterton, and Mr A. Redder was elected to fill his place. Arrangements have been completed to. , hold a ball on July Ist, which is to be an annual affair in tho* future. . Tbo •- thanks of the company are due to tho . i;■ instructor Sergeant-Major Paroll, ber- . geant-Hajor XlussoU, Sergeant-Major Kunming, Sergeant Fairlio and Corporal Quinn for the manner in which they performed their duties during the year.