PUBLIC MEETING. "OAMARU RIFLE RANGERS." 27th February, 1865.
A large and enthusiastic meeting was held in the Court House on Monday evening, to take into consideration the formation of a Volunteer Rifle Corps for this town and district. W. H. Valpy, Esq., was called to the chair. Having read the requisition, subscribed by 46 persons, for calling the meeting, the Chairman requested that those present who were acquainted with the subject would come forward with propositions. Mr Heskoth generally introduced the subject, saying that a small preliminary meeting had been held to get up the requisition, and that the object intended to he promoted was the formation of a Volunteer Company, in order to supersede the formation of the district into a Militia district. Mr O'Mea!»hex- said that it was a matter of opinion whether they should form a Volunteer Rifle, a Cavalry, an Artillery Corp"i, or a Naval Brigade. But there were difficulties in finding a competent drill master iu any one of these except the first ; as regards a Cavalry Corps, they wanted horses and swords, and the uniform was expensive, while all that Government allowed for uniform was 25s a year ; an Artillery Corps would be verv useless, as the Government would not supply guns : but a Rifle Corp? was easier, because they would supply rifles and accoutrements— there are plenty of good places here for rifle ranges, and it would be easier to get an instructor. In answer to questions, he said that uniforms were of various sorts and prices, but he believed a good grey suit, say of Sydney tweed, could be got for about £3 10s. He said that the first step, however, was to have at least 60 names put down, and that they could then offer themselves to his Excellency the Governor, through Major Cargill, for enrolment as a Volunteer Rifle Corps. He would propose that the name of the company be the " Oamaru Rifle Hangers." This was seconded by Mr R. M. Payne, received with acclamation, and unanimously agreed to. Mr O'Meagher, in reply to a question, said that he would recommend that no officers be named until after a few months' drill, when they would "have had an opportunity of knowing who were the best men. The same gentleman, 'in reply to Mr Pinkerton, said that ho would be happy to do his best to drill the men in the mean time, pending the arrival of the Governor's reply. This was received with much applause. Tho list which was begun in the room, was reported by the Chaii man, signed by 30 names. Mr Payne proposed, seconded by Mr Anderson, that a committee jbe appoiuted to obtain more names, and generally to promote the objects of the mooring. The following gentlemen ware appointed: — Messrs Pinkerton, O'ATeagher, Hesketh, Valpy, Anderson, and Sumpter (^ecrehary and Convener ) A vote of thanks was given to the Chairman, and the meeting adjourned.
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North Otago Times, Volume IV, Issue 54, 2 March 1865, Page 3
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487PUBLIC MEETING. "OAMARU RIFLE RANGERS." 27th February, 1865. North Otago Times, Volume IV, Issue 54, 2 March 1865, Page 3
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