Volunteer Movement

Feilding Star, Volume XII, Issue 156, 27 June 1891, Page 2

Volunteer Movement

The adjourned meeting was held in the Assembly Rooms last night.!- There was a fair attendance, amongst whom were Captain Pleasants, Lieut., Kirton, His Worship the Mayor (Mr W; Gh Haybittle), and Messrs Lethbridge, Carihew, Sergts. Daw and T. Evans. Captain Pleasants opened the proceedings by reviewing the position of the corps. , - • Mr W. Bellve asked whether a calvary corps could be formed, but the idea did not receive any support. ' "Mr Haybittle enquired if the capitation could be earned this year, supposing the full strength of the corps was made up. In reply Captain Pleasants said that he had - spoken to Major Newall on that point, and had learned from that officer that if the circumstances under which the application was made, were fully represented to the Minister of Defence, special ' permission could be given for the corps to hold three parades instead of two in each month, so as to make up the .required number during this year. Captain Pleas-, ants also said that he had been in communication with the manager of the Assembly Booms, and found that the corps could arrange to hire the large room on reasonable terms, which he would at the proper time recommend the corps to accept. He mentioned that prizes would be given for shooting, and in order to give every member a fair chance the men would be divided into classes. Keoruits would-., be "supplied with uniforms and great-coats in due course, to be paid for out "of "the r money earned as -capitation from the Government. He then read a list of the names of recruits who had come forward, and others were handed in during the eyening, so that there are now , fifty names on the roll. - Captain Pleasants said a new committee would be formed, which would include some of the recently joined members. Recruits will be sworn in on July Ist by Messrs Haybittle and Kirton, J,P.s, at their respectiye offices. On the suggestion of several members, arrangements will be made to alter the drill night to either Thursday or Monday. At the invitation of Captain Pleasants, Major Newall, who at this time entered the room, addressed the corps. Major' Newall expressed pleasure at finding the Manchester Rifles were not dying out,- because he had not forgotten what a fine appearance they made at Parihaka, where, had it been necessary, they would have given a good account of themselves. He was glad to see such smart young fellows coming forward as recruits. Whatever he was able to do in promoting the best interests of the corps he would certainly endeayor to accomplish. (Applause.) -A hearty vote of thanks to the chairman closed the meeting. Dates of the parades will be published in our next issue.