LYTTELTON NAVAL BRIGADE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2047, 15 September 1880, Page 4

LYTTELTON NAVAL BRIGADE.

A meeting of the members of the above was held at the Colonials’ Hall, Lyttelton, last evening. There vras a numerous attendance, including a large number of those interested in the movement, but not yet members of the brigade. The'Hon. E. Richardson was elected to the chair. Mr H. P. Murray-Aynsley was also among those present. The Chairman, in his opening remarks, stated that ho had only had a short notice requesting his presence at the meeting. He then proceeded to state the object for which they had met, and concluded by reading the advertisement calling the meeting. Apologies were read from Messrs P. Cunningham and Mr Allwriglu, both of whom expressed regret that, owing to other pressing engagements, they were unable to be present. Mr Pyemont, the hon. secretary, being indisposed, Mr B. Snow, at his request, consented to take his place. The correspondence that had taken place in reference to the establishment of the brigade was then read, the bulk of it being letters which passed between the secretary and the city members. Answers were received from all of those gentlemen, except Mr Allwright, and they showed that each had taken considerable interest in the matter. The last letter received from the Under-Secretary for Defence, which has already been published, signifying^'he willingness of the Government to accept the services of the brigade. The Chairman then stated what had been done towards promoting the establishment of the corps on a permanent basis as soon as possible. Several gentlemen had promised assistance, and it was intended to get up entertainments with the view of obtaining the necessary funds. He then referred _to Colonel Scratchley’s report, a copy of which ha had before him, and he drew attention to a portion of it, in which Colonel Bcratobley referred to naval brigades in particular, making special reference to securing efficiency on the part of those in command. Captain M'Lellan said he would give his support to the corps, the formation of which he strongly recommended, particularly as owing to there being so many seafaring men in the locality, it was likely to prove one of the best in the colony. He also remarked that the fact of the Government denying them capitation should not have a discouraging effect, as there were means of overcoming the difficulty. The following resolution was then put to the meeting—“ That this meeting agrees to accept the terms proposed by the Government for the formation of the Lyttelton Naval Brigade. The resolution was carried unanimously, and a letter was prepared in terms thereof to be forwarded to Colonel Paoke. The following is the draft of the letter referred to : Christchurch, September 14th, ISSO. Sir, —At a meeting of members of the Lyttelton Volunteer Naval Brigade held this evening at the Colonists’ Hall, Lyttelton, it was unanimously agreed to accept the terms contained in the letter of the Hoaorable the Defence Minister, 7th September, for the formation of this_ corps. 1 shall therefore feel obliged it you will telegraph to Colonel Header the acceptance of his terms, and also request that be will cause the necessary gazetting of the Lyttelton Volunteer Naval Brigade. I have, &c., Aubbky Beauchamp P. Ptkmont, Hen. Sec. A number of names were added to those already forming the committee. This concluded the business, and the meeting adjourned.