FARMERS'UNION MOUNTED RIFLE CLUB.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 15, 23 February 1915, Page 3

FARMERS'UNION MOUNTED RIFLE CLUB.

Speech by Major Lusk.

ilajnr Lusk, president of the Provincial branch of the Farmers' Union, addressed the settlers at the Farmers' Union Picnic, Maungatawhiri Valley, on Friday last, in connection with the proposed formation of a Farmers' Union Mounted Rifle Club in the Dominion. He said that he knew all tha settlers were of the one opinion, that every able bodied man should 1 prepare himself for defending the Dcminion against an attack by the Germans. The Government had instituted universal training, but only in connection with youn? men. He considered that men 45 yea's of age stand hardships, if tver called upon, equally as well ai younger men. The country w.is well wurth fighting for. There were gome people who did not possess property in the Dominion, but later they might like to share a portion cf it and should be prepared to defend it. He considered that if a mounted Rifle Club wera farmed in the district, which he thought could be accomplished with--4 out difficulty seeing that the majority of the settlers possessed noises, it would be easier for them, as mounted men, to attend rifle practice at a target som2 distance from their farms, than it would if they were members of an infantry company and had to walk. Previous to the industrial strike last year it was thought that a mounted rifle union would be a success, but when the strike came on it was considered that something more permanent : should be established and a yeomanry club was formed. The members started actively to work and paraded, but during his absence in the South Island hostilities began in Europe ( and members of the club joined rifle clubs and contingents for Europe He liked to see the young men going to the front, and he wanted to see those that remained in the country armed with rifles instead of sticks. He had betn in communication with the Minister of Defence and General Godley, and had asked them whether the Government would not take over the mounted yeomanry. He informed them that ex-Maori war and ex-South African volunteers would help in the matter of instructing the men, and would make 1 matters light as regards instruction for the Government. The Government had replied that they were prepared to take over the yeomanry corps as a mounted Farmers' Union Rifle Club, but they were not to be more than 100 strong, and they were also prepared to take over similar clubs. It would really only a matter of numbering the \ clubs. An office would be arranged for in Auckland and assistance would be given to the clubs by any application there. -He offered his own services to assist the clubs. He was prepared to make arrangements for the formation of a club in the district if those interested would raise 100 men, or even 25, and get their statures and forward them on to him in Auckland, The Government, he said, expected the men who joined to purchase the rifle, the cost of which would be betweeq £2 and £3, but where possible the Government would lend the clubs a few rifles for shooting practise and instructional purposes. The territorials in tha various districts were to work in with and practise shootirg with the mounted rifle clubs. Their instructors would also assist the mounted rifle club members. If a ground suitable for a target could be secured for a reasonable period the Government would send a man to inspect it, The Government had stated that there were three lines of Defence for New Zealand—the territorials, the territorials in training and recognised rifle clubs. The mounted rifle club, he said, would come under the ' latter. The mounted club 3 would elect their own officers, and arrange for parades. The Government had stipulated that the members of clubs must attend 16 parades during the year, in eight clays in a year. He suggested that the mounted clubs should muster once e ve ry,-nonth. He advised them to start tha ball rolling by getting ihe renatures of those men who were f prepared to join a club, and then ; t cuU id be decided whether or not to establish if. There would be a central office in Auckland and there would be a feeling of unity all over the Dominion. Members of iufantry i reeimentd would be able to transfer to~Mounted Rifle Clubs. Territorials would be allowed to join the clubs as honorary members. , When asked about the standard uniform, the Major suggested a uniform should be worn that would cost about 26?. In answer to a question as to whether a non-farmer could join the c lub the Major replied in the affirmative. He said that the Farmers' Union had started the dob but were prepared to let nonfarmer* juin. Mr McKenzie, president ot the Pokeno branch of the Farmers' Union thanked Major lusk for his Mble address and hoped that a club would be formed in the district and continue successfully. Major Lusk, jn reply, thanked the settlers for the cordial reception hev bad accorded him. He said he kneW the country well and was pleased to s c .e it again. Three cheers were called for Major Lusk and were heartily given.