VOLUNTEERING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 322, 23 January 1908, Page 3

VOLUNTEERING.

The headquarters companies paraded at the Drill llall 011 Tuesday night, under Lieut.-Colonel Okey, there being a good muster. After inspection each company was exercised in company drill by its commander. Alter parade the Kiiles held a meetin»;, when uno active member was elected. Captain Bellringer notified that I lie re was room in the company for several good recruits. Owing to several Mijrgrsted remits having been refused, an impression appeared to have got itbnitt thai the Killcs would not welcowo any further additions to their ranks. This impression was entirely wrong. Any recruit who could comply with the regulations and was of a good character would be admitted, but the company had now reached sncn a position that they could choose their men. Most of the refusals that had been made was because of inanility to comply with the regulations as to height and eliost measurement, and no man of good character who could comply with the regulations should be afraid fo"como forward under the impression that he would be blackballed. A circular was read from the Oflieer '

Commanding the District stating that the Easter manoeuvres would take place in tlic vicinity of Wellington, and the work wouM he of a specially instructive nature. A large number of those on parade notified their intention of attending. Recruits desirous of attending the camp should join the company now, in order that they may receive the necessary instruction before the camp takes place.

The iwual monthly gathering of tho Rilles takes place this (Thursday) evenI ing, commencing at 8 o'clock, No. 2 secj tioii entertaining the rest of the company. Captain, and Adjutant Weston will deliver a short lecture illustrated by diagrams of the Battle of Balaclava. A large muster is expected. Member* should note that No. 2 section is expected to wear the scarlet uniform and the of the company khaki. A daylight parade of the Rifles has j been arranged for Thursday, Gth February.

At a meeting of the Rewa Rewa range trustee* arrangements were made for several necessary improvements in view of the forthcoming Rifle Association meeting.

ihe (.Juards will coutinuc firing or trophies 10-dav and Saturday next. Tin's shoot will count for the company's champion holt. The following arc the revised handicaps:—

First Class Colour-Sergt. llartnell, Privates I'. (.!. SlcKwcn, Bennett, Short, Nicholls, anil Martin, scratch; Sergeant Oliver and Corporal Bent, 2 points; Lieutenant Jioon, Privates Riddles and Hill, 3; Sergeant Evans, 5; Private A. T. M<-K\v"n. (i; Lieut. Beadle, Sergeants I!rifilths and Arnold, 8; Private Blanehard, 0; Captain Mills and Corporal Lewis, 12. Second Class—Corporal Lobb, Privates Kurta, I'amb, Whitinore, and Drinkwater, serateh; Private L. Gray, 4; Private* lierndtson and A. C. Type, (J; remainder of company, 10 points.

TARAXAIU RIFLE ASSOCIATION. The annual general meeting of the Taranaki Rifle Association was held ill the orderly-room at the Drillshed oil Tuesday, Lieut.-Colonel Okey presiding. There were between thirty and forty members present. The balance-sheet for the second annual shooting meeting, showing a small credit balance, was adopted. Before proceeding with the election of ollieers, the chairman suggested that the meeting decide whether or not to hold a shooting meeting this year. He favored a meeting being held, especially as two district matches, one for volunteers and one lor all-comers resident within the district of Taranaki, were provided for by Government grant. It was unanimously decided that a two days' rille shooting meeting should l« held at the llewa Rewa range on February 19th and 20th. The election of officers resulted: Patron, Colonel Ellis (re-elected); president, Colonel Okey (re-elected); vicepresidents, His Worship the Mayor of New Plymouth, the Taranaki members of Parliament, Council, StalF Officers of the Taranaki Battalion, Captains of affiliated Volunteer Corps and Rille Clubs, and Major Sandford; secretary,' Captain Mills; treasurer, Captain Coek. The fee for honorary members was fixed at ss.

A committee was set up to wait upon the residents and solicit assistance.

The secretary was instructed to write to country corps and rifle clubs requesting them to take similar action. The following were appointed a programme committee: Colonel Okey, Major Sandford, Captain Q.M. Okey, Captain Mills, Lieut. Beadle, Lieut. Humphries, Privates T. Marctt, F. J. Hill, and Mr. Speck. Considerable discussion ensued as to what was the best course to take in making provision for matches for cadets. After the promise of a certain amount for a belt or cup for cadets, Major Mnlone donated the balance to make up the required amount. Further details were left in the hands of the programme committee. The secretary received a hearty vote of thanks for past services, and a small bonus was granted. A vote of thanks was passed To the retiring officers.

Sergeant Cutlihort. of No. 1 corps of the Stratford School Cadets, Imr been successful in winning the Colonial Ammunition silver cup for the Wfuiganui, Wellington, and Tarnnaki districts.