MEETING RE VOLUNTEERS.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XXII, Issue 3467, 26 October 1896, Page 2

MEETING RE VOLUNTEERS.

A meeting of those interested in the formation of a Volunteer Corps for Tauranga was held on Saturday evening in Mr Hulme's show rooms. Tuere was a large attendance and His Worship the Mayor presided. After reading the advertisement convening the meeting the Mayor said he was not conversant with the details of the rao eraent but he thought it would red un 1 to the credit uf the town were a Volunteer corps formed. If it was decided to form one it must be kept up, and he saw no reaso« why Tauranga should be without. Not on I.}'1 .}' were there plenty of young men who could become members, but there were numbers of older people who had borne arms fo-- Her Majesty, and these could show the younger ones the necessary routine. He hoped the matter would be taken up heartily and stuck to manfully. Mr 0. Norriß said that. he had a list of forty five persons who were willing to join. He suggested that a Committee bp appointed to ascertain the advantages of the different kinds of Volunteer Corps. He had communicated with Mr W. Kelly, M.H.R., on the subject, and Mr Kelly had replied that he would be pleased to learn of the various steps taken in the direction of forming a corps. The Chairman euggested that it was time a resolution was moved, so that the matter might be discussed. At present there was nothing before the meeting. Mr Norris then moved " That a Volunteer Corps be formed in Tauranga. Mr P. • Herbert seconded 'pro forma, saying that Mr Hulme, who had experience as an officer should let the meeting know all about the matter. Mr Hulme, in speaking to the resolution said he was in accord with it and hoped that the move--ment would be successful. He had communicated with Col. Goring, asking for information as to the course to pursue, and read the ' reply, which was in effect that the lowest number of members for a corps was 40 and the maximum 65, three officers in any caso. H Mr Hulme would have a form] filled in, giving the name, age, height and record of previous servicej if any, of intending members, he would hate it forwarded to Government. Mr Hulme said that Mr W. C. Stewart had spoken to him on the subject of the formation of a corps, and he had advised Mr Stewart to strike while the iron was hot, and this meet-? ing was the outcome of their conversation. Mr Hulme was willing to give any assistance in his power. He, however, would like to impress upon, members the necessity of keeping up the nrnaber and he hoped that all who joined would stick to it. Mr Parker wished to know if there would be any expenses out i of pocket. Mr Potter said that there was no expense out of pocket attached to a Volunteer Rifle Corps, unless it was eleoted to haVe uniform, and even then, if the proper number of attendances were made, the capitation would more than cover it. He impressed upon members the necessity of going into the matter seriously, as if the proper number of attendances were not made the defaulting member could be fined. Considerable discussion now took place relative to the appointment of a Committee for the purpose suggested by Mr Norris, and a number of gentlemen were proposed to act on same. Mr Rhodes said he had intended not to say anything at. this meeting as he knew nothing about the matter, but really he could see no necessity for putting the matter off . If it were a question as to the regulations nothing could be gained by waiting, the regulations would be the same in a week as they were to-day. Theie were quite a respectable number amongst those . present who had been in Volunteer Corps formerly and they could enlighten anyone if a question W3re put. This meeting was a really\ good one

and if it wefd adJoilMedpfdbabty many would be titiftbia to attend.

Mr Hulme said he was of the same opinion as Mr Rhodes and hoped that the meeting would decide now. No further information could be obtained. Tliere was no question as to what ! kind of corps was the cheapest 1 for members —a Volunteer Rifle ■ Gorps. For a cavalry corps horses - ! and saddles would have to found, - and for a naval brigade, which ' perhaps would be best for a ( seaport like ours, a boat would have to be purchased, besides ■ which the practise included big \ gun, small arms and various other items, which in his opinion put a '• naval brigade quite out of the ' question. The resolution was thon put and carried unanimously. Mr Keefe moved that the name be the Tauranga Vo unteer Rifle ' Corps. Mr Watts seconded, and the motion was carried without dissent. Enrollment was then gone ,on with, as follows : — Messrs Hulme, Kerr, Keefe, Herbert, R bertson, C. Norris, Turner, Watts, G. Norris, Gear, Parker, Killeen Stewart, Walmsly and Hulme. ' Mr Hulme took charge of the Hst which will be at his- office on Tuesdays and Fridays, and at the office of this paper on other days. Anyone wishing to join should have their name entered at once so that the application may be sent in to the Defence Department at once. •