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12TH HANTS RIFLE VOLUNTEER CORPS.
PRIZE FIRING

     On Tuesday last about 60 members of this corps met at the buts, at Horndean, to compete for four prizes, given by Sir J. Clarke Jervoise, Bart., M.P. The day was fine, and the firing remarkably good. The presence of the late captain of the corps Sir W. W. Knighton, Bart., was hailed by the men with much pleasure and doubtless stimulated them to use their best exertions on the occasion. The result of the competition will be seen in the following score. The letter ‟R” signifies that the competitor retired—

     After the firing the men were put through a series of drill movements by the adjutant (Captain Cook) in the presence of Colonel Conran, and the commendation bestowed by the officers indicated a state of proficiency, highly creditable to the corps

     Between 80 and 90 meambers and friends afterwards availed themselves of an invitation from Sir J. Clark Jervoise to partake of a sumptuous dinner, which was laid out in a marquee erected in a meadow belonging to Mr. R. Gale, who has been a staunch supporter of the corps from its commencement. The dinner was served in a large booth erected in a field near to the Ship and Bell Inn, and was served by the landlod, Mr. W. Y. Edney, in a style that elicited the praise of every one. The booth was lighted by variegated oil lamps arranged, in tasteful groups, and amongst others were the ‟Prince of 'Wales feathers,” the letters ‟V.R.,” and others devices appropriate to the occasion. The chair was occupied by the founder of the feast, Sir Jervoise Clark Jervoiso, and on his right sat a Colonel Conran, Mr E. Martin, Hants Yeomanry Cavalry, Mr. Goldsmith, Captain Seward, and G. A. Gale, and on the left Rev. W. Hawker, Lieut. Chalcraft, Captain and Adjutant Cook, J. T. Kirkman, Esq., surgeon 3rd Hants Administrative Battalion Rifle Volunteer Corps, and R. Gale, Esq.

     After the cloth had been cleared Sir. J. C. Jervoise rose and said he had much pleasure in proposing the health of the ‟Queen and Royal Family,” and was sure that every man present would honour that toast as it ought to be honoured, which was done by three times three.

     The Chairman then proposed the ‟United Services,” the ‟Army, Navy, Militia, and Volunteers,” which was duly honoured.

     The Chatirmn then rose and said the next toast he had to propose was time ‟successful candidates for the prizes,” for which they had competed on that day, and hoped his friends would forgive him if he made any observations. He was pleased to find that those who lived father away, at Petersfield and other places, had thought the prizes sufficiently attractive for them. He had thought at first of introducing a prize for good discipline and drill, but found a variety of obstacles in the way, and had abandoned the idea. In alluding to the benefits the volunteer movement had conferred they had all, he said, gained a knowledge of the rifle and how to use it, the theory of the flight of the bullet, the grooves of the rifle, the mechanism of the cock, and other parts, and a noble lord (Lord Elcho) had said in the House of Commons, that the volunteer movement was health, happiness, and exercise to him. He was pleased to see them present, and that a fair proportion of the prizes had come to Horndean, as they had not been so fortunate as the other subdivisions on former occasions. Sir Jervoise then called Sergeant Charles Glasse, and presenting him with the handsome time piece, said ‟I hope you will always come to time when wanted,” and had great applause in presenting it to him as the best shot, to Mr. Penn, ‟a tea-pot,” as an emblem of temperance, another to Private Deer, and the drinking cup to Sergeant Coles. 

     At the conclusion of the hon. bart’s speech, and during the presentation of the prizes, the cheering was most enthusiastic, and the successful candidates resumed their seats amidst the hearty congratulations of their friends. 

     The Chairman next proposed the health of the ‟Officers of the 12th Hants Rifle Corps,” and with that toast he begged to couple the names of the officers past and present, and alluded to the high qualifications of Captain Chawner, as a captain-commander, who had also worn the Victoria Cross, and then passed an high eulogium of the conduct of the late commandant of the corps, Sir W. W. Knighton, Bart.. who was a dear friend of his, and a volunteer at heart, although he could not now remain as their captain, which he was sure they must all regret. He then spoke of the officers present, of their military qualifications, their great popularity and devotion to the interests ofthe corps. (This toast was drunk amidst great cheering.) 

     Colonel Conran returned thanks and said although, the corps was not strong on paper as it was last year, still they were more efficient in drill now, which was what they required, and he hoped that on the 27th of next month he should meet every who was present that day at Botley.

     Ensign Seward returned thanks for the officers of the 12th Hants.

     Sir Jervoise said he had another toast to propose, and that was the unsuccessful candidates.

     Colonel Conran proposed the health of Sir J. C. Jervoise, through whose kindness and hospitality they had been invited there that day, and although the toasts of the winners was the toasts of the evening, still he was sure every one would feel with him that this one was of equal importance. He alluded to Sir Jervoise as a great supporter of the volunteer movement, and always ready with his pocket, his influence, and his assistance. He was beloved as a neighbour, a benfactor, a friend, and landlord. (The toast was drunk amidst great cheering.) 

     Sir Jervoise returned thanks.

     Captain Seward then proposed the health of Captain and Adjutant Cook, and said they were very fortunate in having such a gentleman. '

     The Adjutant returned thanks in a very appropriate and interesting speech on volunteer matters.

     Sir J. C. Jervoise then retired, and Ensign Seward was then unanimously called upon to take the chair, and proposed the health of the fine old English gentleman sitting opposite to him, and the founder of the corps, R. Gale, Esq., a gentleman, who, although not an effective, had done more towards the efficiency of the 12th Hants than anyone else.

     Mr. Gale returned thanks, and the chairman proposed the health of Dr. Kirkman, who acknowledged the compliment. 

     ‟Captain Seward,” ‟Sergeant Instructor Allen,” ‟Sergeant Bettesworth,” ‟the ladies” and other toasts having been proposed and suitably acknowledged, the remainder of the evening was spent in harmony and good fellowship, the company separating shortly after nine o’clock, and so finished one of the most pleasant days the 12th Hants have spent since their formation.