NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2036, 2 September 1880, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the local oommittee of the New Zealand Rifle Association was held at the Commercial Hotel, last evening, at eight o'clock, there being present—Major Lean (chairman), and Lieut. Strange, Lieut. Appleby, and Sub-Lieut. Francis. The object for which the meeting had been specially oalled was to take into consideration the past work of the association and to consider what arrangements could be made for the moro successful carrying out of the meetiug to be held at Nelson in March next. The Chairman recapitulated the proceedings of a former meeting, when Major Lean was elected a delegate to represent this committee at the Council in Wellington, and mentioned that he (the Major) did not go to Wellington in accordance with that resolution, inasmuch as he thought it would, under the circumstances, be inadvisable to incur the necessary expense. In the absence of any communication from the secretary of the Council, Major Lean had, on receipt of a private letter from Major Baillie, called a meeting on the 22nd October of those interested, the proceedings of which he referred to. It was thought that the chance of a mooting this year was rather small, but, as the committee were aware, the sum of £SOO hud been voted for the purpose. The Secretary (Mr Appleby),in response to the invitation of the Chairman, then gave an explanation as to itemß of accounts appearing on the books. He showed that of the £7 15s 6d referred to in the association's report of 1879, the sum of £7 10a 6d was subscribed by the Ohristchurch Liconßed Victuallers, leaving 5s to represent the general subscription in Wellington j but the Licensed Victuallers

there subscribed ten guineas, making the total amount £lB Oa 6d. This year the amount sent away from Ohristchurch was £2O 16s, not including the amount of subscription and entranoe money transmitted direct by tho Artillery team.

A general discussion then took place as to what suggestions could be made to further the success of the meetings of the association. It was pointed out by the Chairman that there appeared to be a certain amount of laxity exhibited by those in authority at the headquarters of the association, and he could not help being struck with the faot that a want of proper discretion scorned apparent in expending the monies of tho association, especially in face of the fact that a secretary was paid to conduct its affaire. Reference was also made to the creation of a reserve fund, and curtailing expenditure by diminishing the value of prizes, but Mr Strange pointed out that any suoh action as that last referred to would have the immediate effect of making the annual rifle meetings less popular, and eventually tend to destroy all interest in them, since men could not be induced to go "for the mere honor and glory" of winning the belt, or the chance of doing so. This view of the case did not meet with dissent, and the committee then proceeded to consider what practical suggestions could be made to the authorities in Wei-

lington for their guidance in making arrangements for next meeting. The following resolutions were unanimously agreed to : " 1. The local committee of Ohristchurch desire to urge upon the Council the desirability of furnishing a detailed account of money received by subscriptions, donations, &c, with a detailed account of money paid in prizes, expenditure for meetings, &c, and that the same should bo rendered to local committees as early as possible. " " 2. That it bo a recommendation to the Council to fix one month prior to the date of meeting as tho latest date for the receipt of entries ; and in the event of non-attendance of any competitor who shall have paid his entrance fees, one-half shall be forfeited, and the oiherhalf returned."

3. "That under present circumstances no subscriptions are likely to be contributed by the local corps."

4. " JDhis committee are of opinion that at the annual meetings, firing should begin early on Monday morning, in order that the meeting may be concluded on Friday afternoon, and that to this end progressive firing should be carried out as far as possible." 5. "That this year no Association funds should be appropriated to small-bore competition." The Chairman expressed an opinion that it was desirable in tho interests of volunteering, that there should be an Artillery competition at these meetings. The other members of the committee present assented, but it was generally agreed that under present circumstances, the suggestion could not be carried out.

This concluded the business, and the meeting adjourned.