THE TERRITORIALS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 297, 12 June 1912, Page 4

THE TERRITORIALS.

Ji COMPANY. The annua) mooting of B Company, lllli Regiment, was hold in the orderly lei;..i 1...-,;, .-veiling. Present: Captain Boon (in the chair), Lieutenants Hartnell and Arnold, and fifty members of the company. The balance-sheet, which showed a very satisfactory credit balance, was adopted. In presenting his annual report Captain Boon referred to the work done and the sound position maintained throughout the past year. A special effort had been made, especially by the young non-commissioned officers, to improve the company, and congratulations were due to these for the interest they had taken in the welfare of the corps. The company, in ceasing to exist as a volunteer corps, owing to the new defence regulations, had lost most of the older members and offieera and non-commissioned officers, as these did not elect to serve under the new conditions. As this was the first annual meeting under the new conditions it might be interesting to briefly give a few facts relating to the past history of the company. The company was formed in the year 1900, at the time of the Boe* war, and, volunteers being plentiful, a. very fine company was the result, Captain Taunton being in command. During the volunteer service of this company [ (Taranalci Guards) it held a position ' with regard to rifle shooting and general efficiency that members were justly proud of. The company had been fortunate in securing the services of officers and non-commissioned officers who never flinched in their duties. A spirit of good fellowship had always existed between the officers and the men, and it was to be hoped that this would still he maintained under the new conditions. The attendance at parades under the present Defence Act was fairly satisfactory, but there is much room for improvement in the attendance of some of the men. Officers realised that during the past year the men were young, the work new, and in some cases compulsory j service was disagreed with, and on this | account a fair amount of latitude was I allowed. But it must be distinctly understood that for the ensuing year every man will require to attend the requisite number of drills and parades as laid down by statute, otherwise prosecution* would follow. It is to be hoped that all Territorials will try and obviate so drastic a measure being enforced. The attendance and behaviour of all ranks ! at camp was a credit to the company. With the exception of two exemptions on sick leave, the whole of the members attended. This record would be hard to beat. The shooting had not begun yet. but by next summer it was expected to play a very important part. Last year Sergt. Evans won the Worthington Cup. Three men competed at Trentham, and one got into the final fifty.- The champion belt was not competed for. Arrangements had been made whereby the company had acquired a much-needed office. This w?s now being made ready for occupation. Appliances in connection with boxing and wrestling had been provided and all members were entitled to make use of them. The financial position of the company was sound, but as capitation allowance was now less than formerly caution had to be exercised in dealing with the expenditure of funds. As there was every probability of military sports being held at the various centres special training should be commenced and kept going with the object of getting teams into form for competitions.

The election of officers resulted as follows: —General committee, Sergeants Evans, McLaughlin and Ellerm, and Privates Julian and Blyde; shooting committee. Sergt. Evans. Corpl. Bruce, Lanee-Corpls. Hoby and Mace, Bugler Knauff and Private Higgs; social committee, Col.-Sergt. Sole. Sergeant Brans, Lance-Corpl. Nippert. Corporal Shirley, Drummer Julian, and Privates Gray, Patterson, Blyde, Higgs, Bowie, Sisley, and Richards; finance committee, Captain Boon and Sergeant Ellerm; auditor, Private Dutton; secretary, Col.-Sergt. Sole. A committee was also appointed' to fit up the orderly room.