THE CADETS.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 1992, 24 May 1875, Page 2

THE CADETS.

Major Cooper then presented the Cadets with their prizes commencing with Sergeant Freerson, who took the: Champion Belt of the Colony, accompanied by £3, besides a prize of £3 won by shooting. In presenting the prize the Major complimented the youngster deservedly on his excellent shooting, which he said, 9s being performed by one so youngs was an honor to the colony no less than to Auckland and the Thames. He re-| gretted that the belt had not arrived from Wellington, but in the meantime he would present him with the ribbon, and regretted that no lady was there to put it on his shoulder. The remaining prizes were then delivered as follows :— , . £ s. d. Dabb, Volunteer 2 10 0 Negus, Volunteer ... ... 110 0 Home, Volunteer ... ... 110 0 Roycraft 10 0 V COMPANY CHAMVTONS. Major Cooper then notified that those who had won company prizes would be presented with the marks of distinction they had earned. Seargeant Major Campbel*, of the Thames Scottish Volunteers, came for- ; ward at the word of command, and had presented to him the Champion . Belt of the company, Major Cooper at the same time passing some appropriate eulogiums upon the shooting capabilities of Sergeant Major Campbell. The belt is a handsome. one. being composed of 5 black polished leather richly ornamented "and set off by chaste silver. The Naval Band played "See the Conquering Hero Comes."

Vol. Clark, of the Thames Naval Brigade, was next called, and presented with a beautiful cup, the gift of the Company to the man who should prove the best shot. Vol. Clark-was also presented with a gold medal, the'gift of Mr E. K. Tyler to the Company, and which has been won twice consecutively by Clark, who now becomes permanent owner. Major Cooper complimented him highly upon his shooting, characterising him as one of the best shots in the polony. He felt great pleasure in presenting the prizes to him not enly as having shown himself a good'shot, but as he was a good volunteer. (Applause.) Captain Murray called for three cheers for Major Cooper, which which were immediately given with great heartiness. : Major Cooper then referred to. one or two points in which , all the volunteers were interested. With reference to tho question of £heir scrip, lie said that he,, at the request of Captains of-the several; Uompanips, Kad sent, a letter." tp Mi* Garpenter, M.P.C!, "requesting him to move in the Council for land to be set apart for volunteers to select from. It was perfectly, unfair that they shouldhaye^erip and no land. Ho also thought somjslrrangements should be made-by which Volunteers who wished to sell would be able to commute it" at a" reasonable, sum. The Major then"made some remarks regard-: ing last year's shooting and the question' of a bridge to the rqnge. .... He had not been altogether satisfied with: last year's shooting. A sufficient number; of young members had failed to come; forward in the class firing.. He thought much of this might be attributed to the difficulty of access, whichhe hoped would; be obviated, though he felt uncertain as to" whether the place at which it was proposed to construct a bridge was the best point.

Haying thus addressed ; them, the Major dismissed the men, who were doubtless glad to be' freed from restraint with such a dismal prospect without.' !