Archduke John and the Prize Shooting Festival in Meran

Daily Report.

Meran, 14 May. Since yesterday, loud jubilation has prevailed within our walls, as our exalted donor of prizes, His Imperial Highness Archduke John, has now arrived with the Count and Countess of Meran. The Archduke had beforehand made an excursion from Bozen, visiting there the manor of St. Valentin granted to him as a fief; hence his arrival here took place only at 8 o'clock in the evening. The greatest activity reigns here to receive the expected marksmen guests with full honours and to make their stay as pleasant as possible. His Imperial Highness already visited the shooting range early this morning and is personally making all arrangements for the great festival. For the performance of the magnificent musical work by Mr Netzer, our renowned countryman Nagiller and many other accomplished musicians of Tyrol have announced their participation; in addition, four outstanding singers from Munich are to arrive today, who were specifically engaged to add splendour to this festival. (T. B.)

Meran, 19 May. Today, as appointed, the ceremonial opening of the prize shooting festival organised by His Imperial Highness Archduke John took place. The festival had already attracted many marksmen and friends of marksmanship, as well as curious onlookers from near and far. Yesterday evening, the marksmen from Bruneck had arrived in richly decorated carriages and were received by the local shooting committee. Today, the marksmen of Bozen and Brixen made their solemn entry; the former also brought a brass band with them. At 11 o'clock, the festive procession formed near the shooting range and proceeded from there to the town boundary beyond the Passer bridge. Leading the way was a detachment of the civic guard with music, followed by the guilds with their banners, the band of the Kaiserjäger regiment, the singers, the municipal council of Meran, the reception committee, the drummers and fife-players, the banners of the Meran shooting company, the markers with the prize targets, the shooting clerks, and the shooting committee; the procession was brought up by another detachment of the civic guard. At 12 o'clock, the Archduke appeared at the head of the municipal representation of Schenna and was greeted with a brief address by the mayor of Meran. Besides his person, the lavish prize gifts, borne by handsome youths, now commanded general attention. Twelve prize banners with precious, artistic embroidery, a banner presented by the Archduke specifically to the marksmen of Schenna, and nine commemorative banners for the principal shooting ranges of Tyrol stood out conspicuously. Alongside them were the four prize wreaths, whose metallic foliage was exquisitely crafted, three prize rifles for the most bullseyes, twenty minor prizes, medals and centre pins, and finally the cup of honour, an ibex horn with silver pedestal and lid. Accompanying the Archduke was also the company of junior marksmen, boys from Meran in traditional local marksmen's dress, led by the flourishing young Count of Meran, as well as the company of the Schenna territorial marksmen. The companies from Partschins, Mais, Passeier, and others in their fine dress, with flags and music, had also drawn up by the bridge and joined the procession. Setting in motion again, preceded by the Meran contingent and followed by the Archduke with the Schenna procession, it returned through the Laubengasse and across the Rennweg to the shooting range. Here, His Imperial Highness Archduke Rainer with his Most Serene Son Heinrich, as well as the consort of Archduke John, the Countess of Meran, with her retinue, were already awaiting him on the festively adorned flag tower decorated with all manner of pennants. Among the other distinguished guests on the flag tower, we noted the Chief Provincial Marksman and Diet President Count von Wolkenstein, the District President Count von Fünfkirchen, the Colonel of the Kaiserjäger Regiment von Burlo, and others. Finally, on the grandstand of the shooting range, for which tickets had been issued, a fine garland of ladies and a dense circle of other spectators had assembled. Amidst the sounds of music, mortar salutes, and cheers from the people, the Archduke mounted the flag tower and addressed the assembled crowd with a speech full of vigour and heartfelt warmth. At its conclusion, he drank several toasts to His Majesty the Emperor, the land of Tyrol, and its marksmen from the ceremonial drinking horn, presenting it thereafter to the Chief Master of Marksmen of Meran, who replied with moving words of thanks. After the singers and the band had struck up the imperial anthem, the prizes were carried into the prize hall and the shooting commenced.

In the afternoon, the shooting range surged with marksmen and onlookers who visibly took part in the festivities in the most cheerful spirits. Judging from today's opening and the reports received, the influx of marksmen is likely to be substantial, making this shooting festival one of the liveliest and most splendid ever celebrated in our valleys. – This morning, the marksmen of Kaltern and Eppan made their entry, being received according to the programme with music and mortar salutes, and served the drink of honour on the flag tower; the marksmen of Innsbruck are announced for this afternoon.