RECEPTION OF THE RIFLE CHAMPION.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 5303, 8 March 1884, Page 2

RECEPTION OF THE RIFLE CHAMPION.

The arrival of the Stormbird, was anxiously looked for all yesterday afternoon, though as we pointed out, in our last issue it was impossible for her to get in, at the time fixed for the demonstration,, as it was dead low water. The signals were hoisted at about 6.30., and by 7 the assembly could be heard in various parts of the town. The volunteers were soon at the Drill shed, and preceded by the Garrison band with torches, they marched for the wharf, where King's band had already arrived. The steamer not being in sight, the men were placed in position. The two bands amalgamated, and rendered some WelUknown selections, the full strength making ' a good combination. After waiting for fully an hour and a half, : news was received that the steamer had stuck on the flats. The companies were then dismissed, and ordered to fall in on the sounding of the assembly. Orders were given to the Navals, to proceed in the Raumai, and fetch the representatives up to town. The launch under Capt Abbot, lieuts Cross and Ciapham was soon under weigh, arid having the tide with them the trip down was made in about 25 minutes. On arriving at the steamer, they found that their trip had been useless, as far as the champion ana the majority of the representatives were concerned, as bhey had very impatiently started for town on foot. Lieutenant Purnell had, However, remained on board, and three cheers were given for him. Lieutenant Purnell and several other passengers were taken on the Raumai, and the party returned, arriving in town at 10.15. The champion and the other representatives having arrived at at the bridge, the Volunteers were again assembled, and proceeded to receive him. The men were heartily welcomed by all who could get near enough to shake hands with them. The two bands amalgamated played " See the Conquering Hero Comes," and the enthusiasm of the assemblage found vent in three cheers for Volunteer Churton as Rifle Champion, and three cheers were also given to the other representatives. His Worship the Mayor read the following address, which was also presented to the champion : —

To Volunteer Walter H. Churton, of the Wanganui Rifle Volunteers, Winner of' the Rifle Champion Belt, the Union Sbeam Shipping" Company's Cup, the National Rifle Association's Medal, and the Auckland Match, &c, New Zealand Rifle Association's meeting, 1884:— On behalf of the townspeople of Wanganni, I beg to congratulate you and your fellow representatives on the very large measure of success, which has crowned the efforts of the Wanganui contingent, at the recent competitions held at Auckland, under the auspices of the New Zealand Rifle Association. You, Volunteer Churton, have earned the proud distinction of carrying off not only the Champion Belt, but the National Rifle Association's Medal, the Union Company's Cup, and the Auckland Match, besides other honors, an aggregate rarely falling to the lot of one competitor. But the success of the Wanganui Volunteers in the competition for the Rifle Championship was not confined to yourself, for I have also to congratulate Lieut. Purnell and Volunteer Hughes on having secured respectively the second 1 and third places. And yet again I must congratulate another Wanganui Volunteer, in the person of Seaman Stitt, who obtained the second prize in the competition for the Carbine Championship. Finally there is a word of hearty congratulation for the whole of the contingent, for they have we'l upheld the reputation, of their town and district against the marksmen of the colony, and have earned a full proportion of honor and reward. Your fellow-townsmen do not regard as idle pastime'the competition out of which you have come triumphant ; the citizen soldiers of New Zealand are those to whom we must look in the future for our surest defence in case of foreign attack. The occasion' for active service may be far ahead — let us hope that it is so — but nevertheless it is well that efficient organisation and training have given the colony a force which can be depended on in time of need. In the name of your fellowtownsmen, I offer you a hearty welcome home again. — Gilbert- Carson, Mayor of Wanganui. < ,

" Captain Watt also welcomed the representatives back. They had, he said, done honor to the town, and he expressed the hope that now the belt was in the district, it would remain here. The carriage' for the conveyance of the champion was then brought up,- and the Mayor and Borough Councillors were provided with seats in it ; the remaining representatives were placed in a brake. The large crowd escorted the procession of Volunteers to the Drill Hall, the bands playing some marching tunes. . Arriving'at the Drill Hall, the Volunteers were dismissed, and amidst great enthusiasm the crowd separated.