RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 584, 23 November 1871, Page 2

RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

A meeting- of gentlemen interested in the formation of a .Rifle Association for Auckland, was held at 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon, in the office of the Harbour Board, Queenstreet. Mr. Firth was Toted to the chair. He stated that he did not know much about the object of the meeting. He called upoi the promoters to explain what had been done, and what was proposed.—Captain Batger said that Captain Clark took » great interest in the formation of this club, but having broken his leg, he was urub'e to bo present. He had, however, sent down a rough draft of a set of rules for the guidance of the association.—The Chairman remarked that it was very unfortunate that Captain Clark was unable to attend. He should like some gentlemen to gi?e an expression of opinion on the matter.— Captain Batger said that Captain Clark had consulted a good many people intereste 1 in the matter previous to drawing up the rules. —In answer to a question, he stated that the list of members at present comprised about thirty gentlemen, who had signified their intention of joining and supporting the association. —Captain Dargatillo moved that an association be formed, to bo caUe 1 the Auckland Rifle Association, the object being to carry out the rules. —The rules were then read. They are on the model of rules in other places in New Zealand.—Captain JXu-ga-villo said that Captain Clark was the father of the association, and took a great interest in the matter. The object of the association w.-is to further volunteering and shooting, and to allow private citizens who could not become Volunteers to take part in the shooting for prizes.—A gentleman pi-esent, thought that the name of the Auckland Rifle Association was too general. —Lieutenant Hariiaou seconded the resolution of Captain Dargaville, and in doing so said the great essential to making efficient Volunteers was a knowledge of the rifle. He thought the Government should give more ill prizes than it did at the present time. He referred to the backward position which Auckland hold in the matter of rifle ehooiing. He hoped that in future, however, this would all by changed, and that the Association would not soon die out. Capt. Dargaville moved, " That His Honor (he Superintendent b<) the President of the Association, and Dv. Campbell and J\ C. Firth, Esq., Vice-presidents."—Borne discussion took place as to the designation of the association, and it was agreed that the Auckland Rifle Association was the best.— Captain Clark and Air. Boardman were appointed joint secretaries, and Mr. Miller treasurer. —Captain Dargaville moved, " That the committee of management consist of the officers commanding companies, who may become members of the association, and tho following gentlemen : —Colonel Ha'ultain, Alcasre. Aitken, McKechnie, Richmond, and James Russell. — Some discussion toak place on this subject, one of the members stating that he thought it. would not bo well for the majority of the committee to be Volunteer officers,—they would exert too much influence. —The Chairman said ho thought the remarks of the ]ast speaker were well timed; the association should be as much a civilian association as possible. — Captain Dargaville said he would qualify his motion so that one officer fi-om each branch of the service should be on the committee, instead of >ach commander oif company.—After some further discussion, Lieutenant Harrison moved as an amendment, " That the committee of the association be formed at once." —The amendment was carried and the election proceeded with. The following gentlemen were elected on the committee: Messrs. Haultain, Aitken, McKechnie, , Richmond, James Russe.l, and C •-•'■'-.'■ TVirgaville and Batger, with p., ■ ... to l

their number. The meeting was then adjourned for a week, in order to prepare different rules from those submitted by Captain Clark and others, and report to a future meeting.—" Herald."