BRUCE RIFLES.

Bruce Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 1933, 17 February 1888, Page 3

BRUCE RIFLES.

Tbe annual meeting of the Bruce Rifles was held on Wednesday evening. Captain Reid presided, and there was a good muster of the company. The balance-sheet was read. It showed that tho income for the two years last past, including a balance of £82 153 lid brought forward from last audit, amounted to £330 10s lid, which left a debit balance of £23 5s 3d. The expenditure, which amounted to £356 16s 2d, included the exceptional items of £198 103 31 for new uniforms, and .£22 193 8d for haversacks, blankets, &c. Captain Reid said that the figures were unusually large, for the reason that two years had elapsed since the last statement was made. Od the whole, the funds of the company were in a flourishing condition, aa this year's capitation, £145, had yet to be received. It was matter for congratulation that they earned capitation for the full strength of the corps with the exception of three. The men turned out so well last year that it was questionable if their attendance was beaten by any other company. When the capitation grant was received, they would be about .£l2O to credit. On the motion of Vol. Lockhart, seconded by Lieut. Poppelwell, it was unanimously resolved that the report and balance-sheet be adopted. Color-sergeant Dickson was re-elected Treasurer, and the following Committee of Management was chosen by ballot from nine nominees : — Sergt. Stewart, Corp. Bewley, and Vols Murray and Mitchell, in addition to the officers. Captain Reid said that for about two years past only a few members had paid their subscriptions. It was necessary that an understanding should be come to. The arrears either must be paid up or written off, and some agreement must be arrived at with reference to future subscriptions. Should the meeting resolve to write off and at tbe same time to reduce, those members who had paid up their subscriptions should be allowed a refund. In considering the matter, they must not forget that although they would be in funds when they received their capitation that next year that source of revenue might be reduced or cut off altogether. As they were now so well off, they might reduce the subscription, which was now 13, to 6d per month. The arrears amounted to a considerable sum, but as it was jubilee year he thought they might be wiped off, and start with a clean sheet as from the beginning of the year, and that those who had paid should receive credit. Vol. Bastings moved in the direction suggested by Captain Reid. Seconded by Vol. Lockhart, and carried. Captain Reid said that he had received a oircular from Major Gordon re Easter encampment in Dunedin. There would be no Government assistance with the exception of the trains to and fro. They would have to be absent from Thursday night till Monday night, and pay their own expenses. On a show of hands being taken, the unanimous opinion was expressed that the Company did not wish to go. Captain Reid signified his intention of giving a prize of £5 for competition by the Company.

A committee meeting was subsequently held, at which the following rnles for the competition were fixed : — Ranges, 200, 300, and 500 yards; 5 shots at each range. Match to be a handicap one. Limit of handicap, 10. Six competitors or no competition. First, second, and third to receive 3, 2, and 1 points. First 21 to win. The first competition will come off on Saturday, the 25th inst., at 6 o'clock a.m.