Rifle Shooting Awards

Lot 1055    Day 1    Rifle Shooting Awards

Estimate $2,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au

PALMERSTON NORTH RIFLE VOLUNTEERS, struck in silver (38x53mm), by G.T.W. (G.T.White, Wellington & Christchurch), with affixed die struck suspender, reverse inscribed 'No.366/Private Robert McMurray/Palmerston North Rifle Vols./99 Points/Best Shot/In Wellington Vol. Dist./1900 - 1901' (O&D.132 type 2); die for central figure of a kneeling rifleman on the previous medal, in steel (46x34mm), with crack in steel at edge below figure. Very fine - good very fine. (2)

The following courtesy of The Cyclopedia of New Zealand (Taranaki, Hawke's Bay & Wellington Provincial Districts).^^Captain Robert McMurray, Commanding Officer of the Palmerston North Guards, first joined the volunteers as a member of the Nelson College Cadets in 1890. In the year 1892 he joined the Manchester Rifles in Feilding, and five years later removed to Palmerston North, where in the following year he joined the Palmerston North Rifles as a private, and rose to the position of sergeant. In the year 1905 he resigned from the Rifles, shortly afterwards was elected lieutenant to the Guards, and a few months later was elected captain.^^Mr. McMurray was born near Reefton, in February, 1875, was educated at the Nelson College, and brought up to farming pursuits near Feilding. He afterwards spent twelve months with Messrs. Horseley and Harris, of Wanganui, and in 1898 started business on his own account as a grain, produce, and general merchant in Palmerston North. The business is domiciled in a fine two-storeyed brick building at the corner of Main Street and George Street. The firm, known as McMurray and Company, Ltd., do a large business in coal, produce, machinery, building materials, etc., and employ eight persons.^^Mr. McMurray is a member of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, a Past Chief Ruler in the Order of Rechabites, and Worshipful Master of the Orange Lodge. He takes a very active interest in all out-door sports, having represented his district in football, cricket, and hockey representative matches. He has also won the Champion Belt and Challenge Cup of the Palmerston Guards. Mr. McMurray is married, and has two sons and four daughters.^^With research.