NEW PLYMOUTH RIFLE CLUB.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 September 1918, Page 3

NEW PLYMOUTH RIFLE CLUB.

ANNUAL MEETING, The annual meeting of the New Plymouth Defence llilio Club was held last night, Mr. F. J. Hill, president of the club, presiding over a fair attendance of members. REPORT AND BALANCE-SHEET. The annual report stated, inter n.lia, tlwt there had been a slight increase in the active membership and a little more shooting had been done. The innovation of inviting members of adjacent clubs to the opening day last year had proved an excellent idea, and should be continued and, if possible, extended. On that occasion the clubs represented engaged in a match, the iiome club winning. A match was iired against the Inglewood Club later in the season on their own range, and was won by the home club. A match had also been held with the Boys' High School Club on their inin'|iture range, and the boys had proved victorious. On account of the Department requiring the return of all fired cartridge eases, and 'the requisition being made retrospective, without giving much notice, the club was caught napping, and in consequence the annual ammunition grant suffered, Those who had empty cartridge eases were asked to returji them to tlie secretary at once- Owing to restricted railway facilities, very little shooting witH outside clubs was done. A match was fired with the Whangamomona Chili, who were the holders of the Challenge Shield, and they managed to retain the trophy with a margin of I>7 points. Sine* then the shield has been won by the Tahora Club, and it was intended to arrange a match with them but the cost of sending a team there was too great. The club championship' -was won by hon. member W- Jarvis, who is now in camp, the Thursday Cup by Rifleman J. Ramson, and the Saturday cup by Rifle man Blanchett. Silver spoons were won by Riflemen Jarvis, Coppen, Oliver, and .Ransom (2)..„ A competition for a trophy presented by Messrs White and Sons was won by Rifleman Coppen. A challenge shield was presented for club competition by Messrs Sole Bros., and won by Rifleman Moore's team. The idea is that a match may be fired by two or more""teams from the club, each'team to consist of four members. The holders may be challenged at any time. The purpose is to enoeurage the younger members to compete. During the year three; members of the elub have made the supreme sacrifice j.. defence of their countrv—Captain Arden, Lieutenant Paul, and Private Lander. Several other members have been wounded. No less noble was the action of another member—Rifleman A. Ambury—who laid down his life in trying to save another man. Two members of the elub—Lieutenant-Colonel Weston and Sergeant Foote—have received decorations, the former beisg awarded the DS.O. and the latter the D.CM with bar.

_ In spite of adversities, the committee feel that the club has now turned the corner, and it is believed better times are ahead. Thanks were expressed to the donors of trophies and to the ladies for their help at the range on opening (lay. The support of the members was bespoken for the incoming committee. The balance-sheet showed the club's assets were valued at £O3 4s 2d. and liabilities were £0 10s lOd.

In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet the president expressed disappointment that members drawn in the ballot did not take advantage of using the club's vange in order to learn to shoot. Every member of the club would only be too willing to teach them He also expressed regret at the loss of the members mentioned in the report, and stated that their relatives had the deep sympathy of all members. Mr. 0. N. Firth seconded the motion, which was carried. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Officers were elected is follows: Patron, Major F. W. Sandford; vice-patron, Captain F. W. Okey; lion, vice-president Lieut.-Colonel Fletcher, Captains Hartnell and McDiarmid, and Lieut. Crutch; president, Mr. C. T. Mills. Mr. F. J. Hill declined re-election, stating that he had only accepted the position last year on the distinct understanding that, he would be relieved this year. His time now was fully occupied vjith other matters, and he felt that he had occupied the position long enough. He adhered to this decision, though it was the unanimous wish of the meeting that he should reconsider it, Messrs C. H. Moore, 0. N. Firth, C. T. Mills and others speaking in high terms of Mr. Hill's work in the interests of the club. Other officials were elected as follows: Deputy president, Mr. J. Rauison; secretaryj Mr. E. Armitage (re-elected); committee, Messrs C. H. Moore. F. J. Hill, AY. Oliver, 0. N. Firth, J. Reid, E. W. S. Lysons, and P. J. H. White; auditor, Mr. W. P. Okey (re-elected); haudicapner, W. Oliver (re-elected). GENERAL. The secretary was unanimously voted an honorarium of £5 ss. On the motion of Messrs C. T. Mills and E. Armitage it was resolved that the subscription be amended as follows: Active members taking advantage of privileges 7s (id, ordinary members fls, junior members receiving instruction 2s Cd. On the motion of the president a vote of sympathy was passed with the relatives of those members who had given their lives during the past year. Several new members were* proposed and elected. The opening day was fixed for Thursday, October 17, outside clubs to be invited as last year. Votes of thanks were accorded the ladies, the press, and the retiring president, and it was resolved to record on the minutes the club's appreciation of his valuable services.