The GLIO Site

PETERSFIELD.

Agent—MR. G. DUPLOCK.

     PRIZE FIRING.—The annual competition for prizes by the members of the 12th Hants Rifle Volunteer Corps, took place on Monday last at the Butts in Helvington Bottom. 'The weather was most unfavourable for the occasion, the rain pouring down almost incessantly, and the wind blowing ‟great guns” during the whole day. The pluck of the 12th Hants was, however, not be subdued by this war of the elements any more than it would be, if the occasion should arise, by an onset of a different character made by their country’s foes. There was a large attendance, in fact, nearly all those were present whose attendance at drill during the past year had rendered them eligible to compete for the prizes. The following were the winners:—

     In the evening the members of the corps were entertained by the officers at a sumptuous dinner at the Dolphin Hotel, served up in the usual excellent style of the well-known establishment. Captain Seward presided, and we need hardly say that his hearty and thoroughly English hospitality secured for the company a very enjoyable evening. There were about 90 persons present. On the removal of the cloth the usual loyal toasts were given from the chair and warmly responded to. The toast of ‟The Army, Navy, and Volunteers” was responded to by Captain Cook, the Adjutant of the battalion, who, on this occasion as well as in a subsequent speech when his health was drunk, spoke in terms of high commendation of the skill which the 12th Hants had displayed on several occasions in the handling of the rifle, and urged them to be a little more attentive to drill practice.—The Rev. J. M. Sumner responded to the toast of ‟the bishop and clergy of' the diocese,” and expressed the great pleasure he felt in meeting the 12th Hants on such an occasion as the present, and also in knowing that they kept up the high reputation to which they had attained. He congratulated them on possessing such an excellent captain and so able and efficient a sergeant-instructor. He begged, before he sat down, to give them ‟the health of Captain Seward,”—This toast called forth loud and long protracted cheers.—Captain Seward returned thanks. When he took office some years ago as their captain it was  simply because there was no one else at that time to fill it. He had received the most hearty and efficient assistance from all his subalterns, and would now be very sorry to relinquish his post. He was proud of his position among them, and hoped to retain it for many years to come.—The prizes were then distributed by the Rev. J. M. Sumner, who had a kind and suitable word for each recipient as he came up in succession, which contributed much to the interest of this part of the proceedings.— The Chairman next gave ‟the health of Mr. Light, the honorary secretary of the corps,” who, in returning thanks for the honour, assured the company that he felt the greatest pleasure in doing anything he could to promote the interest of the corps.—The Rev. J. M. Sumner gave ‟The health of the officers of the corps,” which was responded to by Lieutenant Minty and Ensign Soames.—The chairman, in a highly eulogistic speech, gave ‟The health of Sergeant Instructor Allen,” who returned thanks; and, in doing so, took occasion to urge upon the members the importance of regular attendance at drill practice.—Ensign Soames gave ‟The health of the sergeants of the corps,” which was suitably responded to by Sergeant Finley.—The chairman gave ‟The honorary members,” among whom are several county magistrates; and in doing so, took occasion to allude in feeling terms to the loss which the country had just sustained in the death of Lord Palmerston.—The Rev. J. M. Sumner returned thanks.—‟The health of the ladies” was given by Mr. Soames, and acknowledged on their behalf by Mr. Stowe.—Several excellent songs were sung in the course of the evening by Messrs. Caplin, Lawrence, Gooodeve, &c.