THE VOLUNTEERS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 9988, 18 March 1898, Page 3

THE VOLUNTEERS.

The annual meeting of the Rangiora Rifle Corps was held on Thursday evening, in the Drill Hall, Captain G. H. N. Helmore presiding. There was a large attendance. The report noticed the strength bad increased from 33 to 57. The company had obtained new uniforms. Attendance at parades had been fairly good, but sixteen failed to earn capitation, it was suggested more interest should be taken in the shooting. The balance sheet showed receipts £150 7s 10d, expenditure £164 18s Id, assets £689, liabilities £369 15a. The officials elected were—Corporal A. Smith, Secretary; Committee, Colour-Sergeant D'Auvergne, Sergeants F. and H. Gulliver, Corporals Bell and Humphries, Lance-Corporal Tolputt, Privates Downmg, De Troy and Geddis ; Finance Committee, the commissioned officers, Colour-Sergeant D'Anvergne and Sergeant H. Gulliver ; Firing Committee, Lieutenant D'Aurergne, ColourSergeant D'Auvergne, Sergeant H. Gnlliver, Corporals Bell and Humphries; ammunition custodian, Corporal Bell; auditor, Mr C. I. Jennings. Votes of thanks were passed to the band, donors of special prizes and papers for the orderly-room. An honorarium was voted to the Secretary. Regret was expressed at the death of Mrs Mark Scott, who had in many ways helped the interests of the Company. It was decided to purchase a challenge trophy, and to increase the interest in shooting, and to hold concerts to obtain the same. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Capt. Helmore and Lieut. D'Anvergne.

The first annual balance-sheet of the Imperial Rifles shows a debit balance of £30.

Captain Gharlewo3d has requisitioned for great ooate from the Defence store for the Imperial Rifles, the cost to be charged against next year's capitation. He intends A company parade of the College Rifles was held last night, when there was a master of about twenty. Lieutenants Smith tad Mwteu were io command*

to give £5 for shoocing prizes, to be allotted as the shooting committee may authorise. The Lieutenants are also to give £5 on a similar plan. The following committees have been appointed by the Imperial Rifles : —Finance— The officers and Colour-Sergeant Butcher and Sergeant Shelton; Geneial— AH noncommissioned officers and Privates T. Barritt, G. Spry, A. Barritt and Chapman ; Shooting—The officers ex offlcio, Sergeants Shelton and Brown, Lance-corporal Moncrief, Caskey and Cowper, and Privates Haig, Johnston and WiLson.