RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3159, 12 August 1881, Page 2

RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.

The annual dinner of the corps took place at the Caledonian Hotel last evening. The Eev. De Berdt Hovell occupied the chair, and Sergt.-Major Cantle and Sergeant Chicken the vice-chairs. The Chairman after proposing the usual loyal toasts proposed " The Army, Navy, and Auxiliary Forces," coupled with the name of Major Routledge. Major Routledge was gratified at having his name coupled with such a toast. Hβ had been connected witli the volunteers for a number of years, and took a deep interest in their welfare. The Chairman then proposed "the newly elected office-bearers, coupled with the names of Captain Blythe, Lieutenant Cato, and Sub-Lieutenanb King. He said the prosperity of the corps depended much on the efficiency of the officers. Captain Blythe in responding, said there were many reasons why he should have wished the honor to go past him ; but now . that he had resolved upon accepting the post, he threw himself, unreservedly and heartily into the duties and obligations entailed. The present moment he thought favorable to saying that there were vacancies in the ranksf which they must set about filling up. It wduld be much more pleasant for the instructor and recruits that a number of men should join at the same time. Hβ trusted when spring came to bo able, with the approval and assistance of the Major commanding the district, to establish, a camp for a fortnight on one of the hills of Scinde Island, for the special purpose of practising skirmishing drill. If that could be accomplished, he trusted that in the autumn they would be able to establish a . camp on the Petane beach for the purpose of skirmishing and ball-practice. He had pleasure in stating that it was hie intention to present a silver challenge oup of the value of twelve guineas, to be competed for on such terms as would be stated later on, and he trusted it would have the effect of creating emulation in rifle practice. On the question of the capitation grant he had seen Captain Russell who i'»iisaid that he believed the Government was / favourable to a renewal of the grant, and A that such a course would have his hearty support if numbers and efficiency were insisted upon. The chairman then proposed the health of the retiring officers. He said Captain Batham was present, and ho (the chairman) could speak from personal knowledge of the great interest Captain Batham had always taken in volunteering. He felt sure that Captain Batham carried with him the best wishes of the corpe. Captain Batham responded, and said that it was with regret that he separated from the company ; they would always have his cordial wishes for their success. " The Artillery Officers," " The Honorary Members," "The Major Commanding the District," "Old Comrades," "The NonCommissioned Officers," " The Privatee," "The Band," "The Staff," "The Ladies," " The Press " and the "(Host" were all duly honored. The meeting was pleasantly varied with a number of songs, and selections by the band.