National Rifle Association of New Zealand.

Thames Star, Volume IX, Issue 3028, 29 October 1878, Page 2

National Rifle Association of New Zealand.

The following letter regarding the above has been handed to us for public** tion :—

Wellington, 21st Oct. 1878. Lieutenant Dknbt.

Dear Sir,—l received your letter, of the 2nd instant—through Major Murray—conveying resolutions pissed at a meeting of Thames Volunteers on the Ist October, appointing me delegate to represent them at tho conference held here to inaugurate the New Zea'and Rifle Association ; and suggesting certain views foi my guidance and instruction.

In reply I may aay that I felt much honored by the confidence reposed in me by one of the raont important and influential bodies of Volunteers in the Colony, and although I was uneucceesful in carrying all points submitted to me I trust "my constituents" will give me credit for haying acted to the best of my ability. I will now take the -resolutions of your meeting seriatim :—*

2 and 3. That the annual subscription does not exceed £1 Is. The rules which I transmit by this mail show that it is only 10s 6d. 4. That any member of the Association can compete for prizes. This is provided for { any member of the Association will be able to compete for any prizes, but some matches must necessarily be confined to Volunteers only, in order that the champion belts, 4c, can be fired for.

' 5 and 6. That ten per cent, of the Thames members get free passages. This was the most difficult task I had. I brought the matter before the Council on the 11th instant by moving a resolution to that effect. I give the following extract'from the minute book : —" On the question being put "by the Chairman, the conference desired "Mr Stevens, to explain to the Thames "Volunteers that the Council are unable Jo " accede to their request, as, in the event "of their agreeing to assaist members (in " regard to their passages) from any one distinct, they must do so in all cases, which " would be beyond the funds of the Associa- " tion." I may .add that considerable discussion took place on this question, during which the Hon. Mr McLean, M.H.R. (one of the principal Directors of the Union Steam Company), who had been interviewed ,by some of the.Council, attended the meeting, and on being asked if he thought the Union Company would be willing to aid the Association by making a liberal concession in regard to. passages, replied that be would lay the matter before the Directors, and he ■ had no doubt but such terms-would be offered as would be perfectly satisfactory to all parties. 7. That the place of meeting be central.

'You will hare no doubt heard.era this that Nelion has been fixed on. The relafcire merits of that place and , Marlborough were iully discussed before the decision was arrived at; and Nelson was chosen for several reasons: Only one steamer now goes toPioton, whereat there are three separate lines of boats running to Nelson. The weather v far more faf orable in Nelson than Marlborough (where the influence of the straits winds is felt rery badly ac times.) There is a rery much larger population and more convenience of erery kind at Nelson. These were the main points of the argument.. I think I have new replied to all points, and id 'conclusion will ask you to con?ey my thanks to the Thames Volunteers for the honor done me, and at the same time inform them that, having accepted the office of secretary I cannot, of course, be on' the council, therefore it,is open to the Thames members to elect a member of the oouncil under Bule 11. '

Major Murray will be kept informed from time to time of all information which may interest your district,' and as a member of the Executive Committee will be in a position to convey that information to you. J need only add that having been associated with you in this undertaking, I trust to witnessing a large muster of Thames men on the ground in February nexu. . Yours 4c., , Francis Stbtmcs,