N.Z. RILFE ASSOCIATION.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXV, Issue XXV, 27 January 1891, Page 3

N.Z. RILFE ASSOCIATION.

The Champion Leaves Napier ToMorrow. (Per United Press Association) Nasieb, January 27. Private Kruse probably leaves for home to-morrow morning, net Manawatu Gorge. Captain Sommerville expects to get back on Saturday. A Peat to be Proud Of. (Per United Prea3 Association.) NAPIEB, January 27. Lieutenant Eales and Mr Sloane, the two Victorian reps, leave to-morrow morning for Wellington via Manawatu Gorge. Tho score of 46 out of a possiblo 50 in tho Champion Match at the small target hy Stitt, of the Wellington Navals, and A. Ballinger, of the Wellington Guards, has been the subject of favourable comment in shooting circles, and the Victorians and Captain Sominerville credit these competitors with having accomplished a feat that, considering the surrounding circuuintaneec, haß rarely been surpassed south of the line. Our Local Representatives, Interest over the Championship. The Reception To-morrow. Excitement which had been bubbling and simmering all last week over the deedß of our local marksmen at Napier, reached fever heat yesterday when it became evident that there was every probability of a Wanganui representative carrying off the Championship. As the afternoon wore on, many were the enquiries as to the state of the score, and when at last tho newa was received that Private Kruse, of the Wanganui Kiflcs, had succeeded in appropriating the coveted trophy after an exceedingly close and tough struggle, there was considerable enthusiasm, and a general feeling of satisfaction all round, for " Charlie " is deservedly popular, and during his residence here has gained hosts of friends by his straightforward conduct and unassuming manner. He is, too, one of tho moct efficient members of the Fire Brigado, also a member of tne Union Boat Club, aud it is needless to say that his comrades and club-mntes were enthusiastic in rcspoct to his deserved victory, for his shooting all through the meeting had been of tho most consistent description, and fully bore out tho criticism passed on his proness with the rillo by competent critics. With regard to the Wanganui representatives generally, I hey hare demonstrated their ability to cope successfully with marksmen from the larger centres; and the sum of money appropriated by them — £160 in prizes over £6, besides the Champion Belt, Union Co.'s Cup, Gold and Silver Stars, to say nothing of about £00 in Bmallor amounts— is eloquent proof of their excellence. It may be mentioned that tho present is the sixth occasion on which Wanganui has been honored by possessing tho Champion Bifle Shot, four of the events being held under the N.Z.R.A., and these have been won by Messrs Churton, Remington, Purnell and Kiuse. Previous to these Messrs T. D. Cummins and W. T. Owen were successful, and no one was more pleased yesterday at tho rosult than the former, who, with Captain Tom Ferry of the Fire Brigade showed the keenest interest in and pleasuro at the result. With regard to tho reception of tho champion and other local representatives, the time of their arrival was in so much doubt to-day that making arrangements surrounded with some difficulty, and in consequence it was found impossible to isbuo at once the necessary Garrison Olders, Tho Fire Brigade hold a meeting at tbo station at eight to arrange for the reception of their comrade, and whatever is done by them will be in harmony with any movement on tho part of the Garrison. It is to bo hoped that the arrival of Champion Jiruse and the other local representatives will be at such a time as will permit of all taking part. Should it bo nt nighl-time, a really effectivo reception could be given, including the Volunteer parade and Fire Brigade procetsion, but in any case the | welcome will be most hearty and sincore, no matter when.

Information has been received from New Guinea (says a Press wire) that a splendid gold-bearing reef has beon discovered at Sudest roef, which shows heavy gold throughout, and has been traced for a distance of a mile. Tho Times says there is no alteration in the seating plan of the House of Representatives. A number of members have already had thoir seats marked off. Of tho local representatives, Mr Duthie will sit close to the " No " division lobby, in the seat formerly occupied by the late Mr Turnbull. Sir Macdonald will be located on the opposite side of same lobby, and ilr Ot. Fisher will take up his old position. Dr Newman and Mr J. G. Wilson will also have their old seats. Sir John Hall will sit underneath the Hansard Gallery, and Mr W. P. Beeves will take up Mr Walker's scat immediately behind tho leader of tho Opposition. There are now about twenty more seats than are actually required, and it is probable that they will jje removed.