TE AWAMUTU MOUNTED RIFLES AT WHATAWHATA.

Waikato Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 3493, 13 November 1894, Page 2

TE AWAMUTU MOUNTED RIFLES AT WHATAWHATA.

Friday (Prince of Wales Birtlul.iv) was a busy day in Whatnwhiitn. At 10 a.m. the members of tho To Awamutu Mounted Rifles, under Lieut. Rise, assembled at the Rifle Range, upon Mr Higgmson's farm, to compete for the White and Mowbray medals, some twenty of tho corps being present. This competition occupied nearly the whole of tho day, a number of resident;!, with their families, going out to the butts to' see the shooting, refreshments at lunch time being kindly provided by several ladies of the district. The scores made are appended, from which it will be seen that Sergt. Johnstone won Mr White's medal by one point, with the score of 04. With regard to tke shooting, it must be mentioned that the target used was only what is termed two leaved, and this will account for the small scores at the long range. At the close of the firing an adjournment was made to tho Whatawhata Hotel, where a general meeting of the corps took place, for the purpose of electing officers, etc., Lieut. Rigp occupying the chair. In opening iho business of the mating,the chairman referred in feeling terms to the sad circumstance which necessitated them electing another Captain, and upon the motion of Quarter-Master Roche, it was resolved that Lieut. Rigg send a letter of condolence, on behalf ot the whole troop, to the widow of their late Commander. ELECTION 01' OFFICERS. Upon the motion of Corporal Higginson and Sorgt, Johnstone, Lieut. 'Rigg was unanimously elected as captain. Captain Rigg thanked the men for tho honour done him, and expressed his intention to do everything in his power to uphold the usefulness and popu'avity of the corps. The next step was the election of twolieutenants, Lieut. Mathoiv having recently resigned. Four members were, duly nominated, and as the result of a ballot, Private Win. Laxon and Sergt, L. Johnstone were declared elected Lieutenants. Some discussion then arose as to the procedure to be followed in electing the non commissioned officer*. The question being as to whether the«e appointments should be open to all members of tho troop, or eo by seniority, the point being eventually, decided, upon the casting vote of the chairman, in favour of the latter course. As the result of a ballot, Corporal C. Johnston elected Sergeant, Private Shilson taking the position of Corporal. The Biuce Memorial Belt was then discussed, Captain Rigg stating, that out of a large number of circulars issued inviting the co-operation of volunteers and others, he had received very few replies; but it transpired that in each district the local officers had received good promises of support, and it was believed that sufficient funds would be obtained to purchase a very handsome belt. Ic was further resolved, that the Bruce Memorial Belt be competed for annually, and held by the wiuner from year to year only, the belt never going out of the possession of the troop, the first competition to take place at the .forthcoming camp drill. . With regard to the most suitable site for this encampment, considerable difference of opinion appeared to exist, the intention being to have the next encampment at Kihikihi, instead of Te Awamutn as heretofore Captain Rigg and, Quartermaster Roche gave explanations, which showed that' a considerable saving in'expense would be effected by the change, without causing in inconvenience, and this, in view of the troops' present finances,' was a matter of some moment. Finally, the question was, put," Kihikihi gaining the day by,a, large majority of votes. This closed the' business of the meeting ; THE VOLUNTEBK BALL. = As it is generally understood that;busi 1 ness and pleasure should gn hand in lmhd, particularly in military matters, all arrangements, had been made by the local eon* tin«ent of the corpe, to have a grand ball in the evening, Mr—but now Lieu-tenant-Laxon as hon. secretary, It may he said at once that these arrangements were about perfect. A large company, including visitors from the"surrounding districts and fr.nn Raglan, accepted invitations and were present. Splendid dance music was furnished by Messrs Lb Yoi and Clarke'(piano and violin), specially engagei from Hamilton. The floor was in good order and the fact that, during the quadrills, no less than eight sets Were up at once, clearly indicated that the guests meant to enjoy themselves The refreshments were provided by Mr Iwersep, and this important department was carried out in. a highly satisfactory manner, Mr W. McCutcheon proving himself to be a most efficient M.C, During the evening Mr Itubt. White, the donor of the medal, in the course of some appropriate congratukv t.ions, presetted the medal to Lieutenant Johnstone, the gallant officer suitably responding. The party did riot break up until the small hours.

SHOOTING COMPETITION. The following are the scores rnado by members of the To Awiumitn Mounted .Rifles, when competing at Whatawhata on November Oth, for the White and Mowbray medals. The cnmlitimw were ton shots at the 250 and 300 yard ranges, and five shots at the 400 yards. Lieut. Johnstone won by one point from Private Laxon

250 300 400 Tl. Servant Johnstone 24 29 11 (it Private Lixon ... 25 25 13 (13 Private Pope 21 2!) !) 02 Priv.-its Shilson ... 25 20 li 58 Private McCJutcheou IS 27 12 57 Private Johnstone 22 27 5 54 Private Turi h 23 i) 54 Private Richards... 22 23 4 r.4 Private J. Grace ... 2 •■> 23 8 53 (Joi'ijnr.il HVinson PriViite (J. Putty... 5 15 7 52 27 23 2 52 Ptiv'<r,u Farrnll ... 32 21 (i 4!) tUpur.i! Johnsouo 22' 20 7 4!) Private Wallis 22 22 4 48 Corporal Rothwel! 10 iTi 0 3S Private W. McLeish 22 10 0 .38 Lieutenant liigpf ... 23' — 23 Sergeant Permison 21 2L