OUR VOLUNTEERS

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 172, 23 July 1898, Page 2

OUR VOLUNTEERS

A meeting was held in the Borough Council Chambers, Onehunga, last night, for the purpose of enrolling members of the Onehunga Rifle Corps. The Mayor, Dr. W. R. C. Erson, presided, and there was a large attendance. Captain Grant, of the Defence Department, was also present. Before proceeding to swear in the members, the Mayor urged on those present the necessity of standing shoulder to shoulder in this work. The corps was being formed under most favourable circumstances and he saw no reason why they should not make it one of the best rifle corps in the province. He also expressed the wish that besides the volunteer corps and brass band, they should form amongst themselves a social club. It was intended to provide gymnastic apparatus in the drill shed. Some 35 members were sworn in. In replying to a hearty vote of thanks for his attendance, Captain Grant briefly addressed the meeting, pointing out the nature of the oath they had taken. He hoped they would all carry out their duties faithfully, for otherwise they would dishonour not only their corps but their obligations. He understood they had made a, very happy selection in choosing-Mr Mclntosh as their captain, and that the corps was being started under the most favourable auspices. He also stated that the corps would be armed with the new MartiniEnficld rifle, and gave some information respecting the election of their officers, and in reference to drilling. A vote of thanks was accorded to the Mayor for the practical interest he had taken in the formation of the corps.