THE NATIONAL RESERVE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 226, 28 October 1914, Page 5

THE NATIONAL RESERVE.

THIRD LINE OF DEFENCE. OVER 500 ENROLLED. A most enthusiastic meeting was held at the Chamber of Commerce yesterday afternoon, with the object of forming a volunteer company for home defence. There was an attendance of about 200 persons, presided over by the Mayor (Mr H. Holland) After stating that it gave .him much pleasure to preside over such a large gathering, the Chairman said that he had telegraphed to the Minister of Defence with regard to forming a local defence corps,' and had received a reply that all precautionary measures were being taken for the Dominion's defence. He had also interviewed Colonel Chaffey concerning the question of rifles, and had been notified that there was still a large number left in the Dominion Mr G. Harper said that the list of persons willing to volunteer had been signed by five or six hundred people. He thought that some action should be taken on their part, and he would like to see the citizens take the initiative in the matter. When he consulted Colonel Chaffey about the formation of a new volunteer corps he was fold that such a corps would not be recognised unless it was organised as a rifle and defence corps. The Government would then place them in the third line of defence, and probably provide„ them with rifles and ammunition at a low cost. Unless this was done the same thing would happen as at the time of the Russian scare in 1884> when a volunteer corps was formed but was not recognised. He' then moved: "That a combined rifle club and defence corps be formed in the city of Christchurch and adjoining boroughs in aid of national defence during the existence of the present war." The motion was seconded by Mr J. Grierson. Colonel Cresswell then asked Mr Harper whether Colonel Chaffey had said anything about the National Reserve. Mr Harper replied in the negative, and Colonel Cresswell said he thought the meeting should enrol with the National Reserve. Many other districts had done this and he thought it would be a foolish thing if a defence . corps were formed unless money was forthcoming to provide uniforms. They all knew what happened to the armed citizens in time of war if they did not wear uniforms. Colonel Slater also thought that it would be a great mistake.to form a new organisation. Unless they decided to become a unit of the National Reserve the whole thing would fail. Mr P. G. Withers stated that for a long time he had been endeavouring to find out what the National Reserve really was and it was not until that evening he had discovered anything about it. The present meeting was called in order that something should be done straight away. He agreed with Mr Harper's motion that they should form themselves into a volunteer corps. Mr D, N. Adams as a member of the National Reserve said that he had heard nothing about it since its formation. He wanted to see a corps formed that would do good .work. - - Mr Harper said he would like an executive formed to go into details. He moved: "That an executive committee of not less than twelve persons be appointed for the purpose of procuring the recognition of the corps by the Defence Department and for the proper organisation of it, to enrol members to form-companies in different localities, and to arrange for all other usual and necessary details." Mr Withers seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. An executive committee was appointed, consisting of the following members:—Messrs H. S. Hobday, G. Harper, C. L. Hart, Hullett, G. E. Rhodes, J. J. Dougall, Cyrus Williams, D. N. Adams, S. A. Orchard, J. Grierson, Currie, O. T. J. Alpers, W. O. Leversedge, E. R. Webb, S. Hardy, and P. G. Withers. Mr S. Hardy announced that he had made arrangements for those willing to commence drill on Thursday evening, at the Drill Sheds. A hearty vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the meeting, after which a number of persons signed the list of volunteers. There are now about 440 names on the list, in addition to 100 from New Brighton and Sumner. Mr Harper was appointed to convene a meeting of the executive. > It is expected that a public meeting will be held in the near future to enable volunteers to join the corps.