NATIONAL RESERVE

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27, 2 February 1915, Page 4

NATIONAL RESERVE

SOUTH WELLINGTON SECTION. The movement for the formation of a strong branch of the National Reserve in Wellington is steadily growing, and last evening definite steps were taken in Wellington South, Mr. J. P. Firth presiding over a. meeting held in the Newtown Public Library. In the course of his introductory remarks, the Chairman pointed out the necessity for taking some strong action in order to arouse those persons in Wellington South who are able to carry out tht, duty required of National Reservists. It was essential that all willing to serve were made quite fit to carry out the work and taught the uees of the rifle, etc. Mr. H. A. Parkinson reported that a sub-committee had already made good progress with the movement, and many off era of eupport had been received. Captain Johnston and the officers of the St. James's Senior Cadet Company had offered their services as instructors, and had also agreed to ajlow the Wellington South section of the Reserve the use of rifles and a hall for drilling purposes. Mr. Parkinson granted the use of the Newtown School ground, and Mr. Firth offered the use of the rifle range at Wellington College to the proposed section. A motion, "That a South Wellington section of the Wellington branch of the National Reserve be formed," was then carried unanimously. Colonel Porter, who was present, gave a short address on the objects and organisations of the National Reserve. The speaker pointed out that there was a great deal of work to be done. The movement was a very good and praiseworthy one. When it was in proper working order everyone concerned would feel that they were doing a duty to their country. Colonel Porter considered that the most essential v preliminary work for the Reserve to do* would be instruction in musketry, field exercises, and movements in the field. He suggested that a j provisional committee be set up to prepare a list of all in Wellington South willing to serve, and that this be placed before the Central Committee. In conclusion, he stated that "you could practically look upon the National Reserve as a voluntary militia." Messrs. W. Wilson, Brown, Barltrop, K. Luke, and Hosie were appointed an Organising Committee. Mr. J. E. F. Perry was elected secretary, and Mr. S. Robinson treasurer. It was decided that the weekly meeting night be on Tuesday. As there are no doubt many who were not acquainted with, the present-day rifle, Colonel Porter suggested that the next drill night should take the form of a lecture by a musketry instructor. At the conclusion of the meeting enrolment forms were handed round. Colonel Porter was accorded a- hearty vote of thanks. BROOKLYN SECTION. A meeting of the Brooklyn section of the National Reserve was held at Brooklyn last night for the purpose of electing officers. About thirty members attended. Councillor G. Froslo*presided. Mr. J. W. Steel, who had been deputed by the general body to address the meeting, gave some advice to the members, and stated he would do all in his power to assist the Brooklyn branch. Mr. P. Hoyes also offered his very best assistance to the branch. Officers were then elected as follow : — President, Mr. M. A. Robinson; secretary, Mr. E. F. Buckle; treasurer, Mr. J. Rose; executive, Messrs. H. S. Cooper, J. A^ Short, W. A. Ramsay, C. A. Flaunty, and Millgate. Mr. J. W. Steel was appointed permanent instructor. It was decided that the first parade be held on Tuesday night next, at 8 o'clock. A hearty vote of thanks was tendered Councillor G. Frost for the interest he had taken in the movement, and general regret was expressed at his being unable to continue as president. On the motion of Mr. M. A. Robinson, Councillor Frost was made an honorary member. He made a donation to the branch. BRANCH FORMED AT PETONE. The meeting held at Petone last evening for the purpose of forming a Petone Branch of the National Reserve was attended by about 35 persons. The Mayor of Petone (Mr. J. W. M'Ewa,n), who acted as convener, presided. The Mayor of Lower Hutt (Mr. H. Baldwin) also attended. Addresses were delivered by Mr. W. Leslie (hon. secretary for the Wellington district) and Mr. Bell (Hutt and Petone organiser), explaining the objects of the movement. At the conclusion of the meeting it was decided on the motion of Mr. Boyd that a branch of the New Zealand National Reserve be formed by all present. An enrolment committee, consisting of the Mayor, Councillors Trueman and Anderson (treasurer), Drummond, and Beale (secretary), was set up, and votes of thanks were passed to the speakers. The singing of the National Anthem terminate^ the gathering. Nearly all those present enrolled.