NATIONAL RESERVE

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2468, 22 May 1915, Page 7

NATIONAL RESERVE

DRILL HALL AND RIFLE RANGE OPENED. Botween 40 and 50 members of the 0 Company of £ho 2nd Regiment of the National Reserve assembled last evening for the purpose of opening a drill 'hall and rifle range, which is located in the Cement Brick Co.'s premises on the Soatoun Road. Major F. Townsend, who presided at thG opening, said he was very pleased to bo appointed to the command of the company, and nothing would be lacking on his part to make it a success. Referring to tho reluctance of certain young men to volunteer for the front, he said that every effort should be made to induce those who were eligible to enlist, and that those who could not should join the National Reserve as an example to others. Ho had secured a number of rifles for the ugo of the reserve in tho district, and in referring to that matter he alluded to the possibility of New Zealand being able to manufacture rifles and munitions of war. This generally was thought to be inexpedient on account of the great expense in laying down a complete plant, but ill view of the reported serious shortage at Home, _he thought that such expenditure might bo treated as extraordinary. Iu conclusion, Major Townsend said he was heart. and soul with the Reserve movement, and would do all he could to push it along. | Major Townsend then fired the first ahot, and nearly scored a bull's-eye, and declared the range open. The drill-hall and range are located in tho old cement brick-works shed on the Seatoun Road, and reflect credit' or, the company. Thanks are duo t-o Messrs. Lawrence and HaJison, Eden and Co., and the owners of the building in connection with tho installation of the electric light and other works necessary to (it tho placo up for drill-hall purposes. A Fating of the Transport Branch Division of the National Reserve was held last evening, and after parade tho company met, and elected Mr. J. E. Fitzgerald chairman pro tem., and Mr. S. Leonard secretary pro tem. Mr. Leonard reported that he had interviewed the headmaster of Newtown School in reference to the miniature rifle range in the school grounds, with the result that it was stated that tho committee had no objection to the division using tho range in other than school hours. It was decided to hold nflo practice on May 25. THE PETONE UNIT. 3.E" last night's parade of tho Petone ! unit of the National Reserve it was intimated that the recent election for tho office of captain had been declared void as neither candidate polled tho requisite number of votes. Another ballot is to be taken early in June, at which °^| ; y financial members of the company will bo eligible* to vote. In'this connection the roll will closo with tho nom. luations.