THE VOLUNTEER MOVEMENT IN GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1314, 12 March 1885, Page 2

THE VOLUNTEER MOVEMENT IN GERALDINE.

The adjourned meeting of those in* terested in forming a rifle corps in Geraldine was held in the Young Men's Club rooms on Tuesday evening. Major Young, and Lieut, Findlay, Lieut. White, and Sergeant H. Smith, of the Temuka corps, were present. Mr Geo, Ward was voted to the chair, and, after expressing his pleasure at seeing the visitors present, called upon Major Young to inform them what steps it was necessary for them to take. In reply to Major Young the Chairman said that their object was to form a rifle corps. Major Young then rose and apologised for not being present at the former meeting; Ho posted a letter which he hoped would reach them im time but which unfortunately did not do so. In reference to the formation of a rifle company in Geraldine, this was not the first time the matter had been started, Mr Ward having taken some steps years ago. He would be glad to see a corps formed in Geraldine, They would first have to get the requisite number of men and forward their names to the Governor, and probably he would accept their services. Not much could be done till they found whether they vrrre accepted or not. He then called upon Lieut. Findlay to read the regulations in reference to the formation of a corps.

After Lieut. Findlay had read these regulations, Mr N. Sims asked Major Young whether the Geraldine contingent could not combine with the Temuka corps and form a garrison.

Major Young said the maximum limit was 50 and the Temuka corps was nearly filled up. Lieut. Findlay said the distance was too great. He wpuld suggest that souse one propose that a corps be formed, and when a sufficient number of names were , obtained they be forwarded to the Governor. The minimum number was 30 and the maximum 50. The Temuka corps numbered 46. The best way would be to start a list and obtain signatures of those who would be willing to join. They must be forwarded, along with particulars required by the Act, to Lieutenant* Colonel Lean, the officer commanding the district, who would forward them to head quarters. ■• * - In reply to the Chairman, Major Young said that no entrance foes would be required from those joining. ' He further stated that a volunteer must serve twelve months before he could leave thb corps unless he left the district.

Mr T. Shorratt thought that tbs rules should be read, so that they could see what they were subscribing their names to. The rules were then read by Mr Fisher. Lieut. Findlay explained that country corps could enrol at any time during the year ; garrison corps only twice a year. Mr N. Sims proposed and Mr' E, Logan seconded—That a rifle corps be formed in Geraldine.’’—Carried unanimously. Lieut. Findlay said the capitation grant laat year was 30s per head. "The members of the corps must attend not leas than four inspection parades during the year, at which not less than two-thirds of the nominal strength of the corps must be present. In reply to a question he stated that the Temuka corps had just ordered 40 undress uniforms, which cost with cap 225, and he thought that similar ones would be suitable for this corps for a time. In reply to Mr Logan, Lieut, Findlay stated that the fine for non-atteadance at inspection parades was not less than ss, nor more than £3, unless sufficient cause for absence was shown. The corps would, however, make rules of their own, which they must send up for the Governor’s approval. The rules laid down in the Act were simply for .them to go ; by, and if they did not send others to headquarters it would be understood that the corps were going under these model rules.

The Chairman said the next thing to do was) to form a Working Committee to carry out the preliminary steps, and thj> following were elected : Messrs Geo, Ward, A. Erskine, N. Sima, E. H. Logan, and E. Hardcastle, with power to add to their number. Mr A. Fisher wm appointed Secretary. It was arranged that the Committae should meet at the same place 00 Satqr? day night. A list was then opened and 19 names were put down. It is anticipated that the requisite number will be obtained, as fully as many more names of those willing to join were mentioned. Major Young said that if war broke out with Russia and the Militia Act were put into force, all eligible iptn would be compelled to go on active service if wherons volunteers would not.

Mr Sims then rose, and said he had much pleasure in proposing a hearty vote of thanks to M .jor Young and his brother officers for the information they had afforded the meeting, —This vote carried by acclamation. Major Young briefly returned thanks. , He would be glad to learn that their gesV vices were as a corps, and he would also be glad to meet them at any time, and especially ia the field. A vote of thanks tp the Chairman terminated' llie proceedings.