Mounted Rifles for Kiwitea.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 144, 17 December 1895, Page 2

Mounted Rifles for Kiwitea.

A meeting of those interested ill the formation of a, corps of mounted rifles tor Kiwitea and surrounding districts was held in the Cheltenham Hall on Friday last. Between forty and fifty persons were present. Mr J. Bruce was elected chairman, and introduced Mr Banks, who had convened the meeting. Mr Banks said that, as arranged at the last meeting, he had waitud on Col. Fox to obtain what information he could about forming the corps. Colonel Fox had at first seemed to throw cold water on the scheme, but after a short time, he was glad to say, the Colonel seemed to look more favorably on the idea. There wero at present live corps in the district and it was doubtful whether the Governmeut would accept the services of a sixth. The Colonel then referred him to Colonel Newall. Colonel Ncwall also thought it doubtful whether the Government would accept the services of the proposed corps, but at any rate there was time enough to work the affair ap as nothing could be dove before March Ist, 1896. Before the services of tbe corps', could be accepted it would bs necessary to have fifty members, three of whom would be officers. The Government were not in a position to arm tbe proposed corps, The cost of uniforms, arms, and accoutrements, would be about .£lO per man according to the estimate of Colonels Fox and Newall. The arms required would be short swords and carbines. Captain Kirton, of the Manchester Rifles, had informed him (Mr Banks) that as that company would shortly be re-armed with MartiniHenry rifles it might be possible to get the Government to grant the Snider rifles at present in use to the corps. These could then be cut down into carbines at a cost of 5s 6d each, and would then do very well. Colonel Newall had given him a list of questions which would have to be answered if the corps were raised. Mr Banks then read the questions to the meetiug. He then read correspondence on the matter, including a letter from Mr T. H. James, formerly of the Manawatu Mounted Rifles, who stated that he would be very pleased to render any assistance in his power towards raising the proposed corps. Mr Banks having replied to a number of questions it was proposed and seconded That a Mounted Rifle Corps, be formed, the district to comprise Kiwitea, Feilding, Colyton, Birmingham, Beaconsfield, and Waituna. — Carried unanimously. Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting be conveyed to Mr James for his kind offer of assistance, and stating that tbe promoters will be very glad to avail themselves of it. Mr Banks then asked those who were willing to join to put their names down. About 20 did so before the close of the meeting. A subcommittee consisting of Messrs Banks, J. Stewart, H. Stewart and Tyerman were appointed to enrol members. Messrs D. Davis and W. Sanderson volunteering to canvass Beaconsfield and Waituna respectively. A hearty vote of thanks to Mr Banks for bis efforts was carried by acclamation and with the usual compliment to the Chairman the meeting adjourned.