The Express.
London, England, 1866-07-10 00:00:00

NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

The event fixed for yesterday's competition was the All
Corners' County Match, to be shot for with any rifle, and
in any position, 10 shots each, at SOO and 900 yards. For
this prize representatives of the Counties of Middlesex,
Gloucester, and Lancashire were the competitors.
The second item on the programme was the contest
between Oxford and Cambridge and Middlesex, and the
Tower Hamlett] and Middlesex. The other contests con-
sisted of the Enfield Association Cup, the Swiss Carton
Targets, Running Deer, Running Prizes, Sighting, Sweep-
stakes, &c.
The business of the day had not long commenced when
it was announced that the volunteers from Belgium, in-
tending to take 'Art in the proceeding)] of the meeting,
were approaching the common, and they shortly after-
wards were seen in the distance. It appeared that,
anticipating their arrival, the let Surrey, headed
by their band, and commanded by Captain Har-
rison Weir, had proceeded to the Putney station, and on
the arrival of the train a most enthusiastic ovation
awaited them. Hearty congratulations were given on all
sides, each volunteer was eager to seise the baud of one
of their visitors, and never during the existence of the
National Rifle Association has such a scene been witnessed.
The Belgian deputation having been formed, the Surrey
band struck up, and they marched to the common, where
another hearty welcome awaited them. They proceeded to
the front of the Council Tent, where they were ranged in
line, and Earl Spencer, Lord Echo. Colonel Kennedy,
Captain Mildway, and others, were present to receive
them. Lord Elcho advanced to the front, and, addressing
the Belgian volunteers in French, gave them a hearty wel-
come, and called upon the British volunteers to greet their
Belgian friends with cheers, which request was heartily
responded to. Major de l'Eau d'Andremont, Comman-
dant desChasseurs Eclaireurs Beiges, returned thanks, and
said—Our intention in responding to your bro-
therly Invitation is less for the purpose of gaining
laurels than in setting a greet and favourable ex-
ample. We come here being animated by a sentiment
of fraternity- we come to this England, which
we are accustomed to consider as the mother of our
national institutions—we cone to re-echo our feelings
cf liberty and love to your country-. The reception which
our much beloved sovereign has received from the grel.t
city of England and from the English nation, has inspired
WS with feelings of the liveliest gratitude. By our pre
sence here we confirm the feelings of union and contra
ternity which have emanated from his Majesty towards
the English nation, and to return our respectful homage to
your much beloved Queen. (Loud cries of "Hurrah,
hurrah.") To you, my English brethren, we say, " Friend+,
if ever some day danger should threaten us, m e shall turn
our looks towards you as a free country, and great by its
liberty. (Chem). Gentlemen, I propose to you three
cheers for the Council of the National Ride Association.
At this request loud cheers were raised, shakos were
placed on the tops of the bayonets and hoisted in the air,
and accompanied by marked demonstrations of enthusiasm.
Major de l'Eau d'Andremont then proposed three cheers
for her Majesty the Queen. This cubed forth renewed
demonstrations, accompanied by loud cries of " Vive la
Reine." The deputation then, by special invitation of
Major Styan, of the Queen's Westrninsters, proceeded to
the tent of that corps, where refreshments were provided.
The deputation were then shown round the (amp, and by
every corps they were received with the warmest demon-
strations. By a special invitation the Belgians
visited the camp of the Ist Surrey Volnnteers, and
were handsomely entertained, anti numerous appro-
priate speeches were given and responded to. With
a view of throwing additional interest into the
visit of the Belgians Mr. Steuard, optician to the Nation.l
Rifle Association, will give a prize of ten guineas to be
shot for exclusively by Belgians. It will consist of a Lord
Bury telescope, with stand, fittings, case, &c., and it is ex-
pected that other prizes for them will be got up during the
meeting.
The Running Deer was extensively patronisedduring the
day, and the following bull's eyes were made at it:—
Lieutenant Burt, Ist Warwick, 2 ; Mr. Lucas, 9th Surrey,
1 ; Ensign Hutton, 19th North Yorkshire, 1 ; Captain
Harrison, 19th West Yorkshire, 1 ; Captain Bland, 76th
Regiment, 2. The bands of the tat London Scottish and
Ist Surrey played on the common during the day. The
following are the otficial scores of the different contests
which took place yesterday:

WINNEII.9.
O,I;NTY MATCH.

800 900
yds. yds. Total.
I-socasallire
311ddleseE 255 249 .. 504
Gloucester 2OO 242 .. 502
MIDDLESEX BRONZE MEDAL.
Ensign Markle, Um% Middlesex . ............ 40

TOWER MANZI:T.: BRONZE MEDAL

Private BericieiTiOWeriiiiMleii

oxrk.r.ii.AND CAIIDRIDOE BRONZE BLZDAL
Ensign Wald, Oxford

PATENT-OFFICE MUSEUM, SOUTH KENSINGTON.
—Number of visitors for the week ending July 7, 1,897.
Total number since the opening of the Museum free daily
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