DEVONPORT COASTGUARD ARTILLERY VOLUNTEERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 78, 2 April 1900, Page 3

DEVONPORT COASTGUARD ARTILLERY VOLUNTEERS.

The annual meeting of theDevonport Coastguard Artillery Volunteers waa hold on Friday evening in the Orderly doom, Mt. Victoria, at S o'clock, Capt. Napier presiding. The annual report was presented by the captain, and showed that the company had made .substantial progress during the year. The Orderly Rooms and Oilices on Mt. 'Victoria were now thoroughly equipped and furnished for all the purposes of an artillery company, and the rifle range of the company at Shoal Bay was almost completed. The musters of men on parades throughout the year had been on the whole satisfactory, but strong emphasis was laid on the fact that in order to make the corps thoroughly efficient each man should take an individual pride in the company and do his best to attend regularly to drill. A list "was given in of the benefactors of the company during the year, and a special vote of thanks was passed toal 1 friends who had assisted the company. Captain Napier paid a special tribute to Lieut. Gardner for his* energy and zeal during the year, and this was received with loud applause by the men. It was stated that the present strength of the company was 85, and a large number of applications were being daily received from intending recruits The intention was expressed of rel cruiting to the full strength of 103. and for this purpose further applications from suitable candidates will be received, irrespective of their place ol residence.

During the coming- winter lectures on military subjects are to be given ir the men's room attached to the Orderly Room, and the parade ground in front of the Orderly lloom is to be lit. up with incandescent lights for the purpose of having the men practice physical drill. The large gun on Mount Victoria is to be manned by the company in addition to Fort Takapuna. Satisfaction was expressed at the number of gunners and gun layers who had passed their examinations during the year. The report was received and adopted. It was resolved on the motion of Rergt. Goklflworthy that the captain be asked to procure helmets for the men before next summer. Rergt.Major Tester and Rerg-t. Goldsworthy were re-elected as members of the Finance Committee. The Shooting Committee was elected, consisting of Sergt.-Ma.jor Tester. Corporal TTallett, Corporal Feudal], Gunners Cleg-horn and Purdv.

The balance-sheet showed the company to be in a. healthy condition financially. The assistance of the Board of Education in levelling the parade ground was gratefully aelcnowledgedl After tendering a vote of thanks to the chairman the meeting separated.