matches came off, the 4th Cinque Ports (Hastings) Artillery assisted in keeping the ground against all whose inadvertence might perchance have suffered them to to cross the line of fire, and thus all chance of accidents in that respect was averted. Ensign Cooper had charge of the right division firing party, and Sergt-Major Stace the left; these were assisted by Color(sic)-Sergt. Shorter, Sergt. Hutchinson, Corporals Hildred, Weston, Neve and Pollard. Quartermaster-Sergt. Cole had charge of the magazine, whilst Paymaster Field, assisted by two orderlies, officiated as entries clerk. Corporal F. Ransom superintended the scoring; Sergt. Savery and Lance-Sergt. Penhale, the guards and reliefs; and Lance-Sergt. W. Ransom the pool-firing department, the percentage of which realised about £6 to the good of the Corps fund. The successful competitors had their choice of receiving their prizes either in money or goods, the latter being exhibited in a tent for that purpose. A large tent was also erected for the supply of refreshments.
The First Match, for a prize of five guineas, was competed for by no fewer than 95 volunteers, chiefly from Middlesex, Surrey, Kent, Sussex and the several Cinque Ports, the targets were placed at a distance of 400 yards, and the number of shots to be fired by each man was five. Sergt. Rose (1st Sussex) being the winner, was greeted with a friendly cheer.
The Second Match was for prizes of 12, 5, and 3 guineas at ranges of 200 and 500 yards, and with three shots each. Of the 100 volunteers who competed in this match six obtained 6 points each, eight 7 points, ten 8 points, and five 9 points. In shooting off the ties, private A. Vidler of Hastings distinguished himself as champion for the first prize, whilst private Russell of Ashford and Lieut. Bonus, of the 2nd Surrey, carried off the second and third prizes respectively.
The Third Match, for a prize of 8 Guineas, was warmly contested by 69 members of various corps, who fired five shots each from a distance of 300 yards. The number of points obtained by about half the competitors ranged from 5 to 8. The latter number was got by five men, all of whom agreed to divide the money rather than shoot off the ties.
The Fourth Match was for “all services”, the prize 10 guineas, the number of shots 3, and the distance 300 yards. Owing to the lateness of the hour at which this match commenced, a considerable number of volunteers were obliged to do the “double-quick”, in order to catch the latest trains; consequently only 40 competed. The winner was Sergt. G. Brookes, of the 12th Middlesex, and who gained the greatest number of points throughout the day of any competitor.
The Fifth Match came off on the following day. It was for “all comers” with any kind of rifle, but without hair-triggers, rests or magnifying sights. The prize was ten guineas, to be competed for with 5 -
