ENROLMENT OF THE GERALDINE VOLUNTEER RIFLE CORPS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1340, 14 May 1885, Page 3

ENROLMENT OF THE GERALDINE VOLUNTEER RIFLE CORPS.

lii accordance with notice the members of the proposed Rifle Corps met on Tuesday evening in the Young Men’s Club, Geraldine, for the purpose of being enrolled, the necessary forms having arrived from Christchurch. Great interest was taken in the proceedings, a large number of persons being present. Dr Fish, and the Rev. Geo. Barclay, J.P.’s, duly enrolled 50 men, but this number will no doubt be increased, as the maximum strength of country corps has been increased to 100. Major Newall (who had made a special trip from Christchurch) was present at the meeting. After the Justices had completed their labours, which lasted two hours, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to them. Mr Moore reported, on behalf of the Committee appointed to draw out rules and see about a site for a drill shed, that they had agreed to adopt the model set of rules with one or two additions. Mr Moore also reported what had been done in regard to sites for shed and range. He had invited tenders from different Arms for supplpiug uniforms but he had only received two, vip., from the N. 55. Clothing Faptoiy apd fpom the Kaiapqi Woollen factoiy. Tim former’s price for updress uniforms was 30s, and forage cap 3s fld extra, Glengarry caps they could not make ; full-dress uniforms, £3. The Kaiapoi Factory’s tender was 35s 6d, with caps extra. It was resolved to accept 'he tender of the New Zealand Clothing Factory to supply uniforms for 30s each, in accordance with their tender, if the pew regulations do pot stipulate a different dress to that stated in the tender. Ou the motion of Mr Sims,

seconded by Mr Fleming, the action of the Committee re mies and range was endorsed. Major Newall then addressed ihe meeting, and gave a great deal of information in regard to drill, etc. Besides the four quarterly inspection parades, country corps were allowed two halfyearly parades, so as to allow some who may have missed one or two quarterly parades a chance of gaining capitation. This was allowing six chances to attend four necessary parades. As the first quarter of the year was over the corps would be allowed an extra parade in the current quarter, which would make three parades before the end of June, viz., the ordinary quarterly parade, the hnl F -yearly and the extra one allowed for the quarter passed. Major Newall stated that the capitation grant was £1 10s per head up to 50 for country corps. He also gave further information and advice which will prove of service to the men. On the motion of Mr Sims, seconded by Mr Sionehouse, a vote of thanks and bonus of one guinea was passed to Mr A. Fisher for tiis services as secretary. It was arranged that there should be another meeting of the corps on Thursday evening, In the meantime Major New ill said he would ascertain at once whether the uniform was to be changed. If not, a man will be present from the N.Z. Clothing Factory to measure tho men for uniforms. A hearty vote of thanks, proposed by Mr Moore, was passed to Major Newall for his attendance and the meeting terminatod.