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Colonist, Volume XLVI, Issue 10974, 14 March 1904, Page 2

the' encouragement the 'GoTernmenfr had given to rififf corps, and said at the present time there were 90 in the. Colony. Last year Rifleman Milroy had been twelfthjjon the list for the belt, and though not so successful this year, held his own well. Sergt. Ching, who had come out so well against the picked shots of New Zealand, was a most unselfish shot, and! was one* who was always willing to assist his comrades. (Hear, hear. V Bugler Eden had also done well, and he ventured the opinion that he was the coming champion of New Zealand. (Hear, hear.) The public were proud of both the. men. Sergt. Ching, who was received with enthusiasm, eaid he was proud of the position, and prouder still of the assemblage that was there to meet them. In Nelson alone there were shots quite his equal, if not better, and he felt sure if they only took keener interest in shooting they would take a prominent position in the New Zealand meeting. He thanked them for their cordial welcome home. Color-Sergt. Irvine 'also briefly thanked the citizens and Volunteers for their cordial reception, and said that Sergt. Ching had only got his proper position, as he himself had had a 1 certain amount of luck. . The champions were then escorted to the Mayor's carriage, and a pro-, cession was formed, headed by the Garrison Band. Following the Volunteers were a large number of vehicles^ and the procession was about half a mile in length. On reaching the Church steps the Mayor read a telegram from Lieut. - Colonel Wolfe, regretting that he was finable to be; present, and Adjutant Trask read another from the same officer, stating that both Sergfc. Ching's and Color-Sergt Irvine's commanding officers, Lieut. -Colonel Pitt and himself, were deeply gratified and proud of their achievement. The battalion was then disimssed. Colonel Pitt, Attorney-General, went to the steamer Wainui on Saturday at "Wellington to see the champions, being under the impression thatfthey were leaving for Nelsdn by that steamer, and consequently missed them. The Hon. F. Trask, M.L.C., was among the number on the wharf to welcome the successful riflemen.