THE COLONIAL PRIZE FIRING.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXI, Issue 2343, 3 April 1866, Page 5

THE COLONIAL PRIZE FIRING.

PRESENTATION OF THE PRIZES. Yesterday was the occasion of presenting the prizes to the successful competitors in the recent Colonial Prize Firing. The day broke amidst continued rain, and much anxiety was felt lest it should continue to the serious annoyance both of ' the competitors and their guard of honor, the Wellington Rifle Volunteers. Fortunately the rain cleared off at about 11 o'clock, and the Volunteers fell in on the Reclaimed Lnnd without the prospect of getting either their arms or accoutrements damaged by rain. At a quarter past eleven the order was given for the Volunteers to march to the ground where the prizes were to bo distributed, and they accordingly set off followed by about a hundred people. Arrived at the ground tho Volunteers drew up in lino, with Captain Mills and Lieutenant Holmes carrying tho colors in front. Tho colors of the Wellington Rifle Volunteers are very like the Irish ensign, as they consist principally of green and gold, only that instead of bearing tho motto of " Erin go Bragh" they have that of " Nee timide nee temere" Several of the Ministry and many of our leading citizens were on tho ground, nor despite tho dull day was the fair sex altogether absent. The prizes wore arranged on a table in front of the General G-overnmont Buildings, from which they were to bo handed to the successful candidates by Mm Stafford. And now a few words descriptive of the prizes. Tho first prize, won by Corporal Christie, of the* East Taieri Volunteera, consisted of the champion belt and a purse of £100. This champion bolt has been fired for and won by four different competitors on former occasions ; Corporal Christie is the fifth owner of it. It is a plain black leather cross bolt, with silver despatch box, and buckles. As it was won on each different occasion a clasp was added, whereon was inscribed the "names of tho fortunate winners. They run as follows : — "Won by Ensign Brighton, Auckland Rifle Volunteers, in 1861." " Won by Samuel Holt, Nelson Rifle Volunteers, in 1862." "Won by Nathaniel O. Moss, Nelson Rifle Volunteers, in 1863." " Won by Lieutenant T. Owen, Wanganui Yeomanry Cavalry, in 1864.". In 1865 the belt was not shot for, and the fifth clasp has now tho inscription, " Won by Corporal David Christio. East Taieri Volunteers, in 1866." The second prize consisted of the modal of the National Rifle Association, and a purse of 75 sovereigns. This national medal is sent out from England every year to be shot for ; it is of silver, bearing the figure of two riflemen on the obverse, and the inscription of the National Rifle Association on tho reverse. This prize was won by Corporal Taylor, of the Dunedin Rifle Volunteers. The third prizo was won by Private Thomas Bonton, of the Feathoraton Rifle Volunteers (who by tho bye did not put in an appearance to receive his prize) consisting of a purse of 60 sovereigns. The fourth prize won by Captain Kennedy of tho Napier Volunteers was a purse of 30 sovereigns, and tho fifth prize won by Private Kitchen of tho Marlborough Rangers was a purse of 20 sovereigns. Capt. Kirwan was in command upon the ground and formed the successful men in line in front . of the table. ' After they had been separately introduced to 1 Mrs. Stafford by Colonel Haultain, Mr. Stafford > came forward and addressed them as follows :—

Gentlemen, M>3. Stafford requests me to express the pleasure she feels in being deputed to the honor of distributing the prizes to you — those prizes which you will be justly proud to take to your homes as substantial proofs of your success at this rifle match. It is worthy of remark that out of the fire. prizes three have been won by those whose provinces are not visited by the scourge of war. That, is a proof that volunteering is not onfined to those whom necessity forces ' to take up arras, but the men of New Zealand are ! prepared to arm themselves and fight against ' either internal or external enemies in defence of I all they hold most dear. We may be indeed proud to see that the youth of New Zealand have inherited all the courage of their forefathers. Occasions like the present are useful in bringing together those who are residing in different localities and are yet members of the same common country, making them know each othor, and creating feelings of mutual self respect. Ifc tends to the building up of this our community, which we all feel must become a groat one, and — while it has men like you among it — one which cannot be touched with impunity. I congratulate you, and those two especially who have won the two first prizes, for it is the result of training and discipline, without which none of us can succeed in this or any other pursuit, and wo believe that it is by that training and discipline that you have won the proud distinction of being the first marksmen in the Colony. Mrs. Stafford then came forward and said: Gentlemen, I esteem it as a great favor to be allowed the honor of presenting you these well won prizes. Colonel Haultain then called the name of each prizeman over, and as he did so each of the gentlemen came forward and received his prize from the hands of Mrs. Stafford. Colonel Haultain then called for three cheers for the successful competitors, and three cheers for Mrs. Stafford, both of which were heartily responded to, and the proceedings then terminated.