KRUSE,

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 7326, 29 January 1891, Page 2

KRUSE,

An Enthusiastic Gathering. Considerable interest v manifested throughout yesterday as to the probable time of arrival of tho champion nlle shot. It was known that the bulk of the local representatives would Arrive by afternoon train, an I it w.is thought by some that Private Kruse would bo amongst tho number, but thoso who had the rannigoment of I his recoption in hand made other nrrangemonts, and the crowd who assembled at the lonn railway station wore for tho nonce doomed to disappointment. About a quarter to three Messrs Borlaso, Thain, Aleianlcr, Iforry, Cummins, and a Heiuld representative, drove out in one of Smiley's brakes to Aromoho, and on arrival of the train thoro welcomed most heartily and in an unoflicinl manner the hero of the hour. Aftor all-round hand-shaking had been indulged in and complimentary remarks passed, the party, augmonted by tho addition of Lieutenants Foster and Hughe3 aud Corporal Manning, were driven to the Steam Packet Hotel, arriving thore just as the pis«cngeis were alighting from the train at the town station. So well had matters been arranged that but few knew at that tiino of tho Champion's whereabouts, although, of course, thero whs a docideil inkling in that respect. The champion woro the Belt, and his loft breast wai adorned with tho Association's pretty Gold Star, but otherwise no ono would have known him as tho champion rillr shot of the colony, for his quiet, almost indifferont douipimour did not betoken that lie had bet'ii Uio lecipiont of any great prize, or Mint ho had passed thiough a roally tough strugglo for the highest honour tho New Zealand Riflo Association could bestow. Of course, he Him toon surrounded, and multitudinous wure the questions poured in upon him, v.iried now and again by Bonio one else ahonldenng in with a " Holloa, Charlie, old fcoy, good luck to you." Time was pleasantly spent in rotnimsconces of the meeting — of how so-and-so pushed him close, and how, if thingamy-bob hodn't missed the target at such-and-such a range, how howling hot ho would have made it, and so on. Gradually timo passed, and while dinnor wbb being discussed a light Scotch mist commenced to fall, and by 7 o'clock thero v.as a drizzling rain: It almost seemed as if a dampor was to bo ciab on tho proceedings, but about 7.-15 the weather cleared, and shortly afterwards the Garrison, comprising Naval AitdloryKCapt. Clapham), Wangamii Rifles (Copt. Borlase). City Eifles (Capt. Willis), and Garrison Band (Bandmaster Martin) formed at the foot of the Avenue, followed by tho Fire Brigade, under Captain Ferry. In a few moments, an open carriage, pilotod by honorary Fireman Smiley, and containing the Champion, accompanied by ' Major Walt and Captain Borlase, drove across the bridge, the hero being recoived with ringing cheors, tho band playing " See tho Conquering Hero." In the absence of tho Mayor, who Bonfc an apology, the pleasurablo task of welcoming Private Kruse devolved on Cr Lifllton, who was well supported by his brother Councillors, and who, in a few terse sentences, appropriately congratulated the Champion in tho name of the Burgesseß of Wanganui on the honour that had fallen to his lot, an honour rctaundiDg also on the poople of Wanganui. Amidst much enthusiasm, Private Krusa roplicd, and then Captain Clapham extended him felicitations on behalf of the Gainson, while just as tho procession was being formed Mr Krull alio welcomed him as a countryman, amidst hoarty cheers. Messrs Krull and Litßton then took their scats alongside the champion, the carriage being followed by another containing the Councillors, after which came tho Volunteers. The baud played a quick march, tho Firo Brigade (a splendid muster) formed up on either side ot tho carriago, each member carrying a lighted torch, and a route through tho principal street was traversed to tho Steam Packet Hotel, where, on behalf of tho Fire Brigade Captain Forry called for three cheers for their comrade. Theso having been lustily given, reechoed by the spectators, the Champion alighted, and the parado marched back to tho Dull Hall and woro dismissed. All along the line of route, tho differentvantage places woro taken possession of by numorous spectators, and hoarty were tbo cheers that greeted chaupion Krnso throughout a brilliant and enthusiastic reception.