Waihi Borough Council Diamond Jubilee Booklet 1902-1962
In 1902 a large number of Riflemen attended the opening of the newly formed Waihi Rifle Club. It so happened that there was no trophy for the champion team, Victoria Rifles. The next morning there was some fuss and bother because the Rooster from the Weather Cock on the Fire Station had disappeared — with the aid of a hack-saw. No one seems to know exactly how the matter was resolved but a notice, according to legend, appeared in the Waihi paper some time later that the missing Rooster would be returned when the Waihi Club could win it back.
Today the "Waihi Rooster" is the best known and most valued trophy in the North Island, in spite of the fact that it has no cash value whatsoever. It has been the official trophy for the Auckland Provincial Teams' Match since 1902 and most of New Zealand's leading riflemen will have set their sights on it at some time. It has spent time in Taranaki, Wanganui and North Auckland, and Ohinemuri in 1903. It will be on display at the Waihi Museum during Jubilee week.
A.D.