GISBORNE RIFLES.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 367, 18 March 1902, Page 2

GISBORNE RIFLES.

The annual meeting of the Gisborne Rifles Infantry was held last night, Captain Warren presiding. The balance-sheet was read, showing that the corps was in a capital condition financially. In moving the adoption of the balance-sheet, Lieutenant Levvis said that he considered the financial position to be a record for volunteering in the Bay, and was highly creditable to Captain Warren, who had fulfilled bis promise as to the economical management of the corps. The subscription was only 12s each, yet a second uniform had been obtained during the year, all those who bad paid for their own uniforms in the first instance having had the amount refunded. He only hoped that such good management as had been the rule under Captain Warren would be continued, and next year be felt sure they would have a handsome surplusf Mr Cruickshank seconded the motion, which was carried with applause. Captain Warren said that in reply to a communication from the Department be had stated that the drill-shed required to be enlarged to nearly twice its size—that was full out to each street. ' Such enlargement, be estimated would cost £2OO.

In regard to the proposed battalion camp in Napier, Captain Warren said be did not know whether it was intended to invite infantry as well as mounted corps, but if an invitation were received he would like to be in a position to give a,n early reply. Those who went would be away from one Wednesday to the following Wednesday morning. ’He hardly thoughtthey would be able, if asked, to get a sufficient number. However, it would be time enough to go into the matter when it came before them, which was not yet certain.

The following new members were elected ; Sydney Bennett, John Morrow, and A. W. Kirk ; and S. Moore P, Dixon, and J. Dore were, by election, transferred from tire cadet corps. The question of electing a lieutenant was then considered.

Captain Warren suggested Mr J. H Bull-

Corporal Maxted : Is there no one 1 , in the corps that we can elect- ? Captain Warren : 1 have asked Sergeant Wakeliii, who says be would retire' in favor of Mr Bull, while Sergeant Cruickshank preferred to retain the office he now held, as also did Color-Sergeant Williams. Sergeant Cruickshank : Is it necessary to have a lieutenant ? Captain Warren : No, hut I do not like to go without an officer. Sergeant Cruikshank : Is’nt it desirable to have a man with experience ?

Captain Warren said that Mr Bull had had good experience. Corporal Maxted said that he considered Mr Bull would make a good officer, but he was only raising the question as to whether there was anyone in the corps to take the position. Captain Warren said he left it entirely to t-lie company. He did not care who they selected so long as he was a man who was capable, and would give his attention to the work. Lieutenant Lewis said lie bad spoken on the subject to Mr Bull, who at first thought that the technical classes would prevent his giving attention to volunteering, but now he found that he could give the required attention. He (the speaker) had known Mr Bull for 23 or 24 years, and was sure they could not do better than elect ‘that gentleman. They required zealous officers, and he knew that Mr Bull would be one. He proposed that Mr Bull be elected to the office.

Sergeant Williams seconded the motion, saying that he would he very glad to see Mr Bull a member of the corps. Captain Warren said that two-thirds of the corps must vote. He invited other nominations, and none being forthcoming, he submitted Mr Bull’s name to the meeting. Everyone present held up his hand in favor of the motion, and Mr Bull was declared elected unanimously. The following were elected a Shooting Committee : Sergeant Wakelin, Sergeant Yardley, Sergeant Cruickshank, Color-Sergeant Williams, Corporal Maxted, Privates Kemp and W. Ranger. _ • ' Finance Committee : Captain Warren, Lieutenant Lewis, Sergeant Cruickshank, and Private Ranger.