Volunteer Notes.

Te Aroha News, Volume XIV, Issue 2086, 19 March 1898, Page 2

Volunteer Notes.

A business meeting of the T.R.V. was held after drill last Wednesday night, when F. W. Wild was unanimously elected to the vacant Lieutenancy. The . Company now possesses three sterling 1 and efficient officers, each thoroughly cut out and fit for their various duties, apd with unanimity amongst the noncommissioned officersand men,a bright future under these circumstances may be safely predicted. The following doting appointments and promotions were made by Capt. Whiteley . Sergt. Stanley promoted to Color Sergeant; Lance -Sergt. Maingay promoted t© Sergeants Yol.~Jackson appointed to Lance-'Sergeant; Yol. Salmon, junr., appointed Bugler. It was decided that, in view of the forthcoming" Blaster Encampment, two drills per week through |the intervening three■■'■weeks Would be necessary to' make the Company efficient for that occasion, and it is to be hoped that all those intending to go will do their utmost to attend every drill. Although from 40 to 45 have intimated their intention of going, it is the desire of the officers to increase that number, if possible, and as it is about to be arranged for the train to leave here not earlier than 7 p.m on Thursday evening, the 7th April, and return on Monday evening, it is to be hoped that this meet the requirements of the men.

It is only due to Capt. Whiteley to say that he has successfully piloted this company through the past volunteer year, aud has been tireless in hi®, efforts to place it in a sound, financial, position. This he has succeeded in doing, for on receipt of the balance of fch9 capitation money, the company will not only be free of every liability, but will have funds' to their credit.

A well-attended meeting was held on Saturday night, for the purpose of forming a Yoiunteer Corps in the Rotorua district, writes a correspondent to the ‘Waikato Argus.’ Mr H. Preston was voted to the chair, who after apologising for the absence of old veterans, called upon Mr G. Steele, - as convenor of the meeting, to address those present. Mr Steele said that owing to the state of affairs in Europe, they in Rotorua should be prepared for the worst. Other small centres had I their companies, and took part in rifle matches, Easter encampments and other tournaments, and there was no reason why Rotorua should not be able to take part in and hold its own. He had written to the Commanding Officer, for information re capitation, drill, etc. He read the reply, which he explained. It was then proposed by Mr Kusabs, and seconded by Mr George Steele, ‘That a Yoiunteer Company be formed/ A list was made out and over sixty men came forward and signed their names as volunteers.

Tile decision of the OouDcil to allow competitors at Oamaru to nee either colonial or Victorian ammunition gave general satisfaction, and, whilfsd[arge number accepted the former, the majority went for the Victorian, and during the day some who had taken colonial asked to be allowed to exchange for Victorian.

Major Sonamerville, in his annual report, says the Bifid Ass clarion is seriously cramped through lack of necoesary funds. It began the year with an overdraft of over £49, which has increased to £96. The 1896 meeting- showed total receipts amounting to £\ 762, while last year showed a decrease of over £4OO. The Auckland meeting showed the lowest number of competitors since he took over the management, the expense of going to che Northern capital being beyond the means of many Southern men. Major Summerville states that financial uncertainty renders it impossible to say from year to year whether the meetings can be continued, and difficulties are increased by the precariousness of the annual grants of ammunition and railway passes. Payment of prizes depends upon the attendance of competitors, and he and the Council are responsible in case of failure. He marks, “ The whole thing seems t<£ me to be a farce, and unless matters are placed on a better footing I must advise the Council to wind up the affairs of the Association and hand everything over to the Government/’