ASHBURTON RIFLES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1792, 17 March 1888, Page 2

ASHBURTON RIFLES.

The aimual meeting of the Aehburton Rifb Vo'.nnteera waa held fn the Drill -shed last evening. Present— Oaptaln Dolman (m the chair), Lieutenants Mailer and Fooks and about 30 men. Captain and Adjutant Fooks and Sergt. Major Hayes were also present. — The Secretary read the annual report up to 31at Decßrabar last an follows : — (1) In presenting the ninth annual report | and balanoe-eheet for the year ending December 31st, 1887, your Committee beg to congratulate the Company on the sucoesaful year just passed. The balance-sheet shews a Bank balance of 7a 6d, besides whioh there are outstanding subscriptions, entrance fees, &c, to the amount of about £8, whioh ia very satisfactory, considering the very large [ calls on the funds of the Company during the year, whioh includes patrol jackets, overcoats, &c, and a aum of £30 for waterbottles, haversack 3, &c, imported from England, whioh will -fully— equip— U»« — Company -for camp duties, &o. — (2) Only one man (a bandsman) out of a total of 55, failed to qualify for capitation for the paat year, whioh means that a sum of £157 was due as capitation at the end of the year. — (3) In the annual class-firing for the previous year the Company gained the third figure of merit for the whole of the oolony, the prize for which was worth £40. — (i) For the last year the Company haß been successful enongh to seoure the first place toe class-firing m the whole of Canterbury, whioh must be deemed satisfactory, considering the number of companies to oompeto against. Eleven members gained marksman's badges, m addition to whioh six qualified as first-class shots.— (s) At the Bine Association's annual meeting at Christohurch three members of the Company, namely, Sergeant Nelson, Privates A. McDonald and Sim competed, but were not very successful, the only prize won being £3 by Private McDonald.— (6) The question of a Challenge Cup and firing prizes was suggested, and a sub-committee appointed to draw up conditions, &c, but your Committee found that there were no funda available for the purpose, so that the subject lies m abeyance. — (7) Your Committee recommend that the annual subscriptions be discontinued, and that for one month, to encourage volunteering, reoruitß be taken m the strength of the corps, provided with the necessary equipments free of charge, after which an- entrance fee of say 10s should be charged.— (B) As you well aware, the Government have seen fit to reduce the capitation to 30s per man, but notwithstanding the reduction, we hope that every man will make an effort to qualify for the ourrent year. — (9) In conclusion, your Committee recommend to the inooming Committee the advisability of erecting an orderly room for the use of the Company if funds will permit. Clause 7. It was resolved that reoults be taken m the strength free of charge up to the end of April and be supplied with full dress uniform, patrol jacket, overcoat, haveraaok, waterbottle, and all necessary equipments, After discussion the remainder of the report waa adopted. COMMITTEE, Sergeants Dee, (Stewart, Corporal Ashton and Private Salek wero elected to act with the officers as a general Committee. SECRETARY. Lieutenant Fooka was re-elacted Secretary. TREASURBR. Lieutenant Muller was re eleoted Treasurer. AUDITORS Privates Salek and O. R. Andrews were elected Auditors. JIBING AND DBILL PRIZES It was reaolved " That it be a recommendation to the Committee to devote a sum not exceeding £16 for drill and shooting prizaa." Sergeant Major Hayes, Color Sergeant McDonald, Corporal Ashtoo, and Privates Salek and H. Craighead were eleoted a shooting Committee. BATTAJiION OFFICERS. Ia the motion|ofJLleut.Fooks, seconded by Private Findlay, the capitation earned by the battalion officers was ordered to bo paid to them, and a further sum of £2 wua voted to Sargeant Major Hayes for looking after the arms, o\p, SAND. It was resolved that £7 capitation earned, and £1 133 3i amount due be paid to the members of the baud. CAMP. Captain Dolman brought up the question of the proposed Eaßtor Encampment at Timaru, and it was resolved that the members contribute half the ooßfr, the balance to be paid oat of £he funds of the Company. About 40 men signified their . Intention of attending the camp. THANES. A hearty vote of thanks waa passed to the Secretary, Treasurer and outgoing Committee and the Auditors. The meeting then adjourned with a vote of thanks to the chair,