THE COLONIAL PRIZE FIRING.

Thames Advertiser, Volume VIII, Issue 1951, 25 January 1875, Page 3

THE COLONIAL PRIZE FIRING.

The annual competition of the selected shots of the colony commences this morning at Parawai. There is every prospect of good and close shooting for the New Zealand belt, and for the other prizes. The competitors from the extreme South have had a somewhat lerigthy voyago, the ' Wellington' having left Dunedin on last Saturday week, while the competitors from Southland had of course to be travelling before, that time. 'Jhe 'Wellington,' brought to the Manukau the bulk of the men; those from Auckland and its outdistricts joined there, while a few of the Armed Constabulary who are taking part in the contest came through the interior to f'hinernuri and down the Thames. All have, however, been safely gathered from the uttermost ends of the colony, and will proceed to work this morning. We may remark that these annual competitions must do good by familiarising men, who for the most part do not belong to the travelling class, with different parts of the colony. New Zealand is the least homogeneous of all the Australian colonies. Its modes of settlement were different; the pursuits of its colonists are diverse;, while the climate and scenery of the extreme North and South, differ very greatly. It is a noteworthy fatt, and perhaps a little more significant at this time than it otherwise would he, that this is the first time the colonial rifle firing has taken place away from a provincial capital. Perhaps this fact may account in some measure for the feeling shown by the Aucklanders ! hey do not half like that the Thames should be recognised except by them selves in their own way, and perhaps it is for this reason that they have abstained from taking any notice of those who have come from the South to take part in the competition.

'Jhe weather yesterday was somewhat cold for the season, with a high wind and threatening rain. A breeze now and then would do no harm, and indeed might be preferred, as testing the' skill of the marksmen to allow for windage; it is good also that the sun's rays of this season should be tempered by clouds j but a slorm of rain lasting over several days would be most unwelcome. Kain would spoil the shooting, and would make it most uncomfortable work for all concerned, while the beat of tents is not shelter sufficient against a rain-storm such as we sometimes have in summer. ARRIVAL OF THK REPRESENTATIVES AT AUCKLAND. The steamer ' Wellington,' with the Southern representatives on board, arrived in the Manukau at an early hour on Friday morning, and the passengers were hurried ashore before 8 o'clock, so that the steamship company might be saved a breakfast for some 60 or 70 people! The representatives, however, contrived to get breakfast on shore, and after waiting about for some time they were met by Colonel Lyon, and Messrs Horton and Brassey, of the Thames, who went from Auckland by an early train. The representatives at once got on board the train, and were conveyed to Auckland, arriving there about 1030 a.m. It had preriously been arranged that they were to be met at the Auckland railway station by as many of the Volunteers as could conveniently attpnd, and that they should be escorted to the barracks by the Volunteers, headed by their band. But when Colonel Lyon stepped out of the railway carriage he found that there were only four Volunteers in uniform, and that the band had not assembled. The colonel therefore drew the representatives up into line, and after notifying to them that they must be on board the Government steamer' Tuna' the following morning at 10.30, he dismissed them at the station. The representatives appeared somewhat surprised at the manner in which they had been treated, as they bad naturally been told that they would be welcomed by the Auckland Volunteers, and they reasonably looked for civility and courtesy at the hands of their " brothers in arms," especially after an order, signed by the Major of the district, had been issued, ordering the Volunteers to assemble to welcome them. The conduct of the Auckland men has been universally condemned as disgraceful and contemptible, and it is to be hoped that the Major of the district will take the earliest possible opportunity of giving some of the officers, as well as the men, a lecture on good manners. After being dismissed, the representatives travelled about the city, some of them going out to the range to practice On the following morning, they all assembled at the breakwater at 10.30 a.m., and immediately went on board the 'Luna.' 'Ihe Auckland representatives also joined them, and when the officers and men were all on board the Defence Minister, Sir Donald MoLean, came down to the steamer and shook hands with several of those who were known to him. At eleven o'clock the 'Luna' made a start. She did not call at the Tamaki as was expected, but came down through the passage to the west of the Sandspit, arriving off Tararu wharf a few minutes after four o'clock. Here, however, a slight miscalculation as to the depth ot water delayed the landing fully half an hour, as the ' Luna,' in attempting to turn round, stuck in the mud between the Tararu and Grahamstown wharves, but fortunately the tide was rising, and in a short time the steamer was placed safely alongside the Tararu wharf. ARRIVAL OF THE REPRESENTATIVES AT TARARU. The 'Luna,' with the representatives, was expected at Tararu beforo 4 o'clock, and by that time the members of the Reception Committee, and others who wero to receive the guests on landing, were in waiting, and the cab 3 which wero engaged to convey the representatives and their friends to Grahamstown were drawn up in Hue at the shore end of the wharf opposite. But the steamer only then came in sight. There was a good deal of difficulty in rounding to to come ulongside, and, in doing so, the steamer got aground. This caused another delay; but as the tide rose she backed off, and dually came alongside, and the landing commenced. Major Lyon (who was in command) stepped ashore first, and the representatives then came ashore as quickly as they eoujd after collecting their baggage. The following gentlemen were present to receive them: Captain Fraser, Messrs James Mackay, jun., J. W. Walker, G. Best, J. D. Grant, Captain Hazard, Messrs L. J. Bagnall, J. Small, W. McCullougb, Inspector Bullen, Sub-Inspector Ncwell, D.'Macnab, J. A Miller, J. Wilson, J. Gillies, S. Watson, Secretary Movens, and others. Mr Walker informed Col Lyouof the steps which had beon taken lor their reception at Grahumstowu,

whero the Volunteers and others were assembled. They had merely came out to assist in landing. Tho representative* need only take their arms with them, and deposit their luggage in the vans which were in waiting. They would see that they were forwarded immediately to the camp. Cabs and 'busses were in waiting to tako the representatives into Grahamstown, and if there was any speaking to be done it would be done there. Col, Lyon thauked Mr Walker and the representatives briefly. The representatives then stepped ashore, and deposited their luggage in the vans. The following are those who arrived by tho 'Luna' to take part iu the competition and superintend the arrangements:-Muff-Lieut.■ Colonel Lyon, in command; MajorLusk (Mauku), Major Stapp (Taranaki), Hon. Captain Bailhe (Picton), Captain Uerrom ( vufklandj. Cavalry Eepresentativcs: W. Barriball, Lieut. J. T. Mellsopp, A. Barriball, M. Barriball W. Mills, Constable J. Pellew, tiergt. J. Hedge, Lieut, :\ Barriball, Joseph Barriball, It. Bruce, Constable Gr. Hamilton Brown, Constable P. Connell, Constable 0. Johnson, Constable A. Von Poelnilz. Infantry Representatives: Auckland, Lieut. W. Skinner, J. Leigh, Gr. Partington, D. Hay; Waiuku, Capt. R. Hamlin, Lieut. A. Jlluett; Waikato, J. Coleman; Taranaki, Knsign G. jIN. Curtis; Patea and Wanganui, J. Purnell, Color-t'ergt. J. D. Collard, W. H. Churton ; Bangitikei, Capt. J. Johnston; Hutt and Porirua, Sergfc J. Mcllvide; Wellington, F. Robinson, W. Eountree; Greytown and Masterton, fc'ergt. F. Bassett; Napier, 3. Greer, H. lienouf; Tauranga and Opotiki, (Lieut. Soper, of Marlborough, wlioQlls place on Governmental); Nelson, F. Tomlinson, D. Burns; Marlborough, P. Martella, F. Sutton; Canterbury, Sergt. Fox, Constable Murray, and Bugler W. Fairbrother (the two latter filled vacancies); Oamaru, T. Morris; Dunedin, Lieuts. iVlcEenzie, Marshall, and Wilson, Sergf. P. McLaren, Capt, 1 1 oldie, W. Richardson, J. Nightingale, Lieut. Christie, Lieut.Blatch; Southland,Sergt. 0. Klingswell, Sergfc. J. Thomson. Westland, Private Heapby, Sergfc, Munyard, PrivateStonebridge;ArmedConstabulary, Constables Klder, Gallagher, Sergt, L>, H, Campbell, Constable Chalkin, Sergt,Major Dundas, Constable W. Kyan, Sergt. G. Morley. These nre the representatives who arrived on Saturday. There were already on the Thames - Major Gordon, Sec. Stevens, and the following representatives: — Cavalry, Constables G. Keys and Blake; Infantry, Sub-Inspector Gascoigne, Constables Gilbert and Chase. The Thames repre-sentatives-G. Clarke, J. A. Gordon, Sergt. Campbell, Lieut. Hoskln, (!. McLean, F. Sykes, W. Armstrong, J. McLeod, Sergt. Grant, Capt. Murray, Petty Officer Brown, J. McKee, Lieut W. Dey, T. Grundy, T. Nelson, and T. F. Fenton.

Those who arrived then fell in and mached up the wharf to the 'busses and cabs, which were quickly loaded and despatched to Grahainstown. Mr A. G. Hoi'ton and Captain Brassey, who had gone to Auckland on behalf of the Inception Committee, accompanied the representatives in the ' Luna,' aud proceeded with them to Grahamstotvn. There were other passengers also on board the steamer. THE RECEPTION AT GRAHAMSTOWN AND SHORTLAND. The different companies of the Thames Volunteers were ordered to parade opposite the Pacific Hotel at half-past 3 o'clock, but it was somewhat after that time bpfore they were in position, 8S it was obvious there was no need to hurry. Previously, the companies mustered at the drill sheds, when each was put through company drill by their officers. At the Naval Brigade drill-shed, the Naval Brigade and the Hauraki Native Volunteers HSSf-mbl&l. In (he absence of Captain Brassey, who came down from Auckland in the 'Luna,' the Naval Brigade mustered under Lieuts. Dalton, Gavin, and Bennett. There were present: 100 rank and file, five petty officers, exclusive of the band. The Native Volunteers mustered 25 rank and file, being all for whom the uniforms were ready, under Captain W. H. Taipari and Lieuts. Aiho Pepenc and Baika VVhakarongotai. We may say that when this company marched from the drill-shed to take up their places, their appearance and discipline elicited commenda'ion, and general surprise was expressed that within the few days they have had for drill they should have made such good progress, No. 3 H.R V. were also minus their caplain, Captain Macdonald having been detained in Auckland to attend a case in the Supreme Court. It was undpr the command of Lieut. Cock and Sub-lieut. Bayldon, and mustered 30 rank and file. At the Thames Scottish drill-shed there musteredT.li.K., Captain Mcßoberts, Lieutenant Carnie, and 20 men; No. 2 H.R.V. (Captain Hazard absent), Lieuts. Dignan and Hosliin, and3o men; lhames Scottish, Captain Murray, Lieuts. 'Fey and Johnstone, Dr. Kilgour (surgeon), 70 of all ranks, and 15 ttf band Tho Engineer Cadets mustered 20, under Lieuts. Bargrove and Mace, and the Thames Scottish Cadets, 14 The muster altogether amounted to about 350 men. '1 he different companies were marshalled i n front of the Pacific Hotel by Major Cooper and Staff Sergt-Msjor Grant. Tho Thames Scottish occupied the right of the line, and tho Naval Volunteers the left. The brigade was formed in two lines, facing _ towards Tararu, and the men were directed to stand easy. And certainly the men needed to be made as comfortable as possible, for a long period of waiting lay before them. The • Luna' was timed to reach Tararu at four o'clock precisely, but it was considerably after that time before she arrived, and the awkward sticking in the mud still further delayed the binding. The public, without whose presence no display would be worth anything, began to concentrate about " the Corner" at three o'clock, and before four o'clock the largo verandah of tho Exchange Buildings was crowded, mostly with ladies, who waited with great patience during tho afternoon to give a welcome to tho representatives. Almost every wiudow was also occupied, and many convenient housetops. When a large crowd is assembled, no long time elapses before something occurs to amuse them, and on Saturday a few incidents occurred to relieve the tedium of wailing. Every few minutes there would bo a noisy skirmish of a couple of dogs, or an awkward horso:man would attempt to pass through the crowd. But a constant source of amusement through the afternoon was Pineha Marutuahu, who took upon himself the office of keeping clear the space in front of tho Volunteers. Armed with a stick, he hit out wildly at dogs, boys, or men who trespassed into the pluce which he thought it his duty to keep clear. If it, had not been that " I'incher" is woll known, aud so is tolerated, he would sooi ' have been put hors de cuinbat by some

miner, but as it was his antics wvre laughed at, and the blows he inflicted were taken good-humouredly. At length the representatives were seen marching along the Tararu wharf; and iu a kw minutes after the Volunteer Companies were called to attention, and the whole assemcly, after the rather wearisome waiting, assumed new life. The carriages stopped on tho beach near the Thames Scottish drill shed; and the representatives formed fours. Headed by Colonel Lyon, who was accompanied by Captain Eraser, the staff and representatives then marched in front of the Volunteers, who presented arms. His Worship the Mayor (with whom was Councillor Macnab) then stepped forwurd and said:-Colonel Lyon, on behalf of the inhabitants of this place, I beg to welcome you and the representatives who have come under your charge to the Thames. I trust that you will all enjoy yourselves while you are here as well as your duties will permit. I will not detaiu you, but simply again bid you heartily welcome.

Colonel Lyon said: I have to thank your Worship, in the name of the colonial representatives, for the kind and flittering manner in which we have been received by the Volunteers and residents of the Thames, I have no doubt that our stay here will be an agreeable one. Allow me to thank you again for the flattering and cordial reception you have given us. Captain Fraser then called for three cheers for the representatives, and the call was responded to heartily and vigorously by the Volunteers and the people, the ladies waving their handkerchiefs from the balconies and windows.

There was no, further delay, as the eveuing was pretty well advanced, and a long walk lay beforn the representatives to the camp on the flit on the further side of the Waiwhakaurunga. The representatives marched to tiie front, falling in immediately behind the Thames Scottish band, while the Thames Volunteers, forming fours, followed the representatives, the Thames Scottish leading, while the Naval Brigade, with their band, brought up the rear. A large portion of the people assembled accompanied the representatives along to Shortland, whde the residents on the line of route were all assembled at windows and on verandahs to welcome the crack shots of the colony, who had come from all parts, extending to what we are apt'to consider as the cold and chilly South. The men looked sun-burned and rather tired, but were evidently gratified at the cordial and even enthusiastic manner in which they had been received. Every flag in anybody's possession was displayed, and at Shortlaud there were two lines of colours stretched from the Shortland Hotel to the other side of the street. At Butt's corner a considerable crowd gathered, who gave three hearty eheers for the representatives. During the march the Thames Scottish band, the Naval Brigade baud, and the bagpipes played alternately. AT THE CAMP. The line of march was continued to the base of the hill at Parawai, beyond the Hob Hoy Hotel, and a halt was then called. The battalion was called to attention.

Colonel Lyon stepped forward and said: Thames Volunteers, I have to thank you for the manner in which you have turned out to receive the representatives, and as an old soldier myself, I have to congratulate you upon your fine soldierly appearance. A voice from the ranks called for cheers for Colonel Lyon, which were enthusiastically given alone the line. Cheers were also called for Major Cooper, and responded to heartily Another voice called for cheers for " Mr Mackay and Ohinemuri," to which an enthusiastic response was made. Mr Maclcay then called for cheers for the Thames Volunteers. This was responded to by the bystanders as well as the Volunteers themselves, and a voice from the ranks called out " We have not turned out duffers as they did in Auckland." Mr Mackay said, " The Thames will never disgrace itself."

The representatives then marched over the hill to the pontoon crossing, and the Naval Volunteers performed fatigue duty and carried the luggage round the hill. The Thames representadves were called to the front, and Major Cooper asked whether they would go to the camp at once and see the orders, or if they chose they could be on the ground at half-past five on Monday morning, The greater number decided to go then to the enencampment. The battalion, with the exception of tho Naval Brigade, then marched back to town. The crossing of the representatives was effected on the pontoon bridge aud by means of boats. There being such a large there was a good deal of time occupied in getting across. The representatives were received by Mujor Gordon, and told off in squads to their various tents. The encampment is on the flat land on the opposite Hida of the Kamvaerauga Kiver, in front of the native settlement. It is of rectangular construction. The squad officers' tents are in the front lines facing the targets, and the secretary's tent h close to the telegraph station. Tho mess tents are in the rear of the others, and the canteen, which is a rough, wooden structure, also contains the cooking apparatus and the baker's oven, the whole being under the control of Host Curtis. The arrangements are very complete, and reflect the highest credit upon those who have carried them out, TO-DAY'S PROCEEDINGS. The following is the arrangement of the firing squads: — CAVALRY. No. 1 Squad. Lieutenant Mellsopp Sergeant Heclgo Trooper W, Barriball Constable Blake No. 2 Squad. Trooper A, Barriball Corporal Bruce Constable Vou Poelnitz No. 3 Fquad. Trooper Mills Trooper M, Barriball Constable Brown No. 4 fc'QOAD. Constable Pellcw Snb-Lieut. Barriball Constable Cjnnell No. 5 Sq'Jad. Constable Ifeys TrtMier Josh. Barriball Constab'e Johnston INFANTRY. No. 1 Squad.—Major Stapp. Col.-Sergeant Collard Private Richardson Private Clarke iSub-Licut. McKenzie Private Sykes Constable Eider Petty Officer Brown Captain Uascoigne Private Kenton Constable Gallagher Lieutenant Skinner Ensign Curtis Sergeant Kingswell Private Martella No. 2 Squad—Captain Baillie, Sorgt. Mujjr Huiidas Corporal Sutt)ii .Private Gordon Private Armstrc ng Lieutenant Marshall I'rivats McKee Constable Blvthe Private Partington Private Morris Sergeant Bassett Captain Hamlin. Private Itountree • Private Purnell

No. 3 Fquad-Captain Newau Sergeant Morley Sub-Lieutenant Wilson Constable Kyan Serjeant A. Campbell Sub-Lieut. Christie Lieutenint Lfekin Lieutenant Dey Lieutenant Soper Corporal Hay Private Hobinson Corporal Coleman Private Tomlinson Bugler Fairbrother No. 4 Squad—Captain Derrobi, Sergeant Grant Constable Chase Private McLean Sergeant McLaren Private Churtm Sub-lieut. Blatch Private Grundy Constable Murray Sergeant Munyard Gunner Renouf Private Stonebridge Corporal Burns Sergeant Mellvride No. 5 Fqind—Major Lusk, Sergfc. Campbell, i.O. Constable Gilbert Captiin Murray Constable Chalkin Private Nelson Captain Goldie Private J. Leigh Private Heaphy Oaptain Johnston ;. Sergeant Fox Gunner Greer Sub-lieut. Bluett Sergeant McLeod Sergeant Thompson The first matches will be fired to-day, commencing at half-past 6 o'clock, when the Cavalry will take (he Judging Distances match, at such distances not exceeding 500 yards as may be appointed by the officer commanding. Each competitor will fire seven shots, judging his own distance-targets, 6ft x 6ft; centre, 4ft square; bull's eye, 2ft square. The prizes are £5, £3, and £2. 'I he Infantry Judging Distances Match will also come off to-day, rauges uot exceeding 600 yards, 7 flhots at each range. The prizes are £7, £6, £5, £4, £3, and £2.

These matches will be fired with 1870 ammunition, which will only be used for these alone, and an order was posted in the camp last evening stating that the scores made in these matches are not to count in the aggregates for the Champion Belt and Champion prizes. After this the representatives will be served out with a stated number of rounds of Eley's 1874 cartridges, and will proceed to the rifle range which is usually used here for practice, so as to enable the marksmea to judge of the strength of the ammunition. I'he Judging Distances Matches will thereforo be the only one which will be tired to-day.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP. The shooting for the Champion Belt is likely to be extremely good, if we may believe popular rumour. The, Otago team is a very strong one, indeed about as good as could be got together in any part of New Zealand. They have Richardson, who was third for the belt in Nelson two years ago, and who has been shooting magnificently of late. Ee will, unless unfortunate, mako the shooting very "hot" for some of our local men. Then there is Wilson, of the Port Chalmers Naval Brigade, who is one of the best and steadiest shots in who has won all kinds of prizes except' the Champion Belt, which he proposes to take to Otago this year, if possible-just to complete his round of victories. In the same breath we may also mention Christie, an ex-champion, who is tolerably well known to our readers by repute, through his match with Mr J, W. Walker with small - bore rifles. And then we have Goldie, who was in Melbourne with the New Zealand team last year, and who is believed to be on for shooting. The four shots we have iiamed are looked upon by the other representatives as " dangerous," and are generally regarded as the best amongst the Southern men. Taking the North Island, we are disposed to think that Greer, of Napier, will give a very good account of himself, whilst Hamlin, the present champion, is shooting very well, and should not be very far down the aggregate list. The Auckland men, we are told, rely upon Skinner as their best shot, and as he has been shooting well recently, they are disposed to believe that he has a chance. Of the Thames men-we desire to speak with becoming modesty, in the presence of our visitors. Our team is about the best that we could get together, and in it there are some very good shots, who will fully maintain the reputation of the district. The Scottish have Murray, who is likely to be heard of before tun firing is over, whilst Dey, McLean, and McLcod are not to be despised. The Navals have Armstrong and Clark, both of them splendid shots, and we sha'l be disappointed if they do not get high up in the aggregate list, Last, but not least, we have Hoskin, the ex-champion, who is very good in heavy continuous firing. But there are the " outsiders" generally, whom we have not named, and it is just possible that some comparatively unknown shot may come to the front and walk off with the belt, But if this is not the case,'it is probible that the contest i for the belt will really be between Otago ! and the Thames.

Of the cavalry shooting we can say little, except that it is fully believed that the belt will again go to Waiuku.