Maniototo Rifle Association.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume XLV, Issue XLV, 23 November 1917, Page 3

Maniototo Rifle Association.

The annual meeting of the Maniototo Rifle Association was held at Ranfurly on the 9th inst.

In opening the meeting, the Chairman, Mr A. M'Lennan,, said:— Gentlemen, At our last annual meeting I was under the belief that it was then the most critical period in tbe existence of our association* but I regret t© state that the outlook is no brighter yet; and owing to the fact that so many of our members hßve none to the front it will be a harder task than ever to carry our programme through with anything like success tf is year. Still, I am confident that all uf ub who are left will do our best to keep the association going, as its object is l ; worthy one. T)o encourage rifle shoct >

ing is also to encourage patriotism. As yet I have not met the man who was keen on rifle shooting who was not rlbo patriotic. The casualties to our members who have been taking their part in the war have been heavy during the present year, and it is hard to realise that some who such a short time ago sat in this room with U3 in the pride and Btrength of manhood are now sleeping in a soldier's grave on the other side of the earth,-and that some are suft't ring from wounds received in batf tte. In the attack on Bellevue Spur on [ the 12th October last, which proved io be a veritable death-trap to so many of our New Zealand troops, but where they put up as brave a fight as any during the war, their heroic effort should live for all time. In that terrible fight Sergt. W. Kerr, Private A. Mawhinney and Private J. Mulholland met their death like the gallant soldiers thej- were. They have left a gap in their homes and in the district, as well as m our association, which we know can never be filled. Lieut. J. M'Lean uiacl of sickness in Franca on the 15th of October. He was our secretary before going to the front and took a keen interest in our association from its formation; besides being one of the . - have ever met To the

relatives of those who have given their lives for their country we offer our heartfelt sympathy, although we feel that nothing can ever make up for their loss. Capt. Graer, Lieut. W. ManD, Sergt. D. Lindsay, Privates A. Jopson, A. Armstrong, A. Keegan, and S. Hewitson have been wounded, but we trust that they will have a speedy and pomplete recovery, and be spared "to return to us some day in the near future.

The minutes of last meeting were read, and confirmed on the motion ef Mr G. Bell, seconded by Mr G. Currie. Oh-the motion of Mr "M. Driscoll, seconded by Mr G. Paterßon, the bal-ance-sheet, which showed a credit of £3 10s 9d, was adopted. 1c was proposed by Mr G. Currie, and seconded by Mr W. Crawford— That Mr A. M'Lennan be re-elected president.—Carried unanimously. Several members spoke of the great interest Mr M'Lennan took in the welfare of the association.

Moved by Mr G. Paterson, and seconded by Mr G. Carrie—.That the other office - bearers be re-elected. Carried. *

Proposed by Mr Wm. C. Davis, and seconded Hj Mr G. Bell—> That the president, vice-presidents, secretary,

Mr Crawford and Mr A. P. Arthur be appo:nted a committee to-meet at a later date and fix the date for the annual prize-firing; also that they act as Programme Committee.

Proposed by Mr G.Paterson, and seconded by Mr W. Crawford That a dozen ticket- books be procured. The lady ■ selling the greatest number of tickets will receive a prize of ss, donated by Messrs P. Laugh ton and G. Paterson, Last year a similar prize was given, and was won by. Miss T. M'Erlane, who sold twelve tickets. , The usual vote of thanks to the chair terminated the meeting.