Hibernian Defence Cadets, Dunedin

New Zealand Tablet, 27 August 1908, Page 17

Hibernian Defence Cadets, Dunedin

The annual meeting of the Hibernian Defence Cadets was held in St. Joseph's Hall, Dunedin, on Tuesday evening. " Captain D. S. Columb presided, and there were also present Lieutenants J. B. Callan and J. S. Columb, honorary Captain Hussey, and Rev. Father Colifev.

. The committee in their annual report, stated that the conipany was in a sound position from every point of view. . The efficient strength of the corps on August 6 was 54; which was an increase on last year. Owing to pressure of private business Captain Hussey had resigned during the past year, his resignation being much regretted, as it was recognised that the. efficiency of the corps had been due to his energy and painstaking .efforts. On the resignation of Captain Hussey Lieutenant D. S. Columb, who has proved himself a very r enthusiastic and 'thorough- officer, was elected captain, and the vacancy thus created was filled by the election of Mr. J. S. Columb as second lieutenant. \.On his resignation Captain Hussey was presented with an enlarged photograph of the corps, and was also" elected honorary captain. Color-Sergeant Spain and Sergeant Tarleton .having resigned from the corps their places have been filled by the promotion of Sergeant Keligher and Sergeant McKenzie respectively. Captain Columb obtained his lieutenant's certificate last' year. The corps is now attached to the First Battalion Otago Rifle Volunteers. From time to time during the year the corps has had. practice ir> field exercises. Two inspections took place during #:the past year. - The first was that by Lieutenant-Colonel Davies, and was very satisfactory. The attendance on the whole has been good; three members — Sergeant McKenzie, Corporal Sweeney, and Cadet E. Salmon— had not missed a parade. The shooting had been very fair. Sergeant Stapleton won the. belt .for, -the first time.. Good progress has been, made by the_ signalling squad. - The finances are in a satisfactory" position, the corps having a credit of £36. Sergeant McKenzie has been appointed storekeeper, and also secretary. The discharge -of these duties are" carried out in a very satisfactory, manner. •'• fh conclusion, the thanks of the corps were tendered to the donors ,of prizes, the officer commanding the district, and others who had taken an interest in its welfare. . .

The report and balance sheet were adoptedT .The committee for the current year consists of the officers and non-commissioned officers ; secretary' 1 and , storekeeper, Sergeant McKenxie ; auditor, Mr. T. Deehan.

Later on in the evening the corps was inspected by LieutenantColonel Stoneham, when it was put' through coiripahy drill - : and signalling. At the conclusion of the inspection LieutenantColonel Stoneham addressed the boys, and impressed upon them

the necessity of- discipline, -after_ which he distributed the prizes' for the past year. The following is theiist-: — - , . ' -* Sergeant Stapleton, belt;, silver medal, and Captain- Hussey's trophy; Sergeant Mackenzie, Rev. Father Coffey's golcL medal ;;-. Sergeant Salmon, officers' trophy; ex-Golor-Sergeant Spain, second championship belt; "Color-Sergeant Keligher., third championship belt and signalling ; Catiet Le Fevre," shooting— two seconds and two thirds-; Corporal Sweeney, shooting — third ;- Cadet' J. JLynch, first (handicap, shooting) ; Cadet F. Marlow', second (handicap, shooting); Cadet W. Mea'de, third' (handicap, shooting); .Cadet E. Salmon, signalling": > : Attendance— Sergeant Wilson, ' Bugler O'Brien, Cadet J. -Marlow, Corporal Brennan, Corporal \Layburn; Corporal Rogan, Cadet O'Neill, .-Cadet -Brady, Corporal Mackenzie, Cadets Doudte, Dunn, O'Sullivan, J. Salmon, Cantwell, Recruits Thompson and Mulrooney. - Badges— Mackenzie," jspain, Le Fevre, "Stapleton, Keligher, Tarleton. :