LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN.

Gisborne Times, Volume LV, Issue 6142, 28 July 1921, Page 2

LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN.

SQUADRON’S ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the “C” Squadron of the Legion of Frontiersmen -was held in the Garrison Hall last evening, Capt. W. Brechin presiding over a very good attendance. Four new members, two of whom were ladies, were elected to the Legion. The commandant's annual report, which was read and adopted, was as follows

"Owing to lack of interest shown in Legion matters it was considered advisable to re-organise “C” Squadron. Steps were immediately taken to place “C” Squadron on a sound footing and during the year 17 meetings were held and 51 members were enrolled. The strength of “C” Squadron at present is 104- members. Te Karaka troop was formed on August IS. 1920, under the command of Lieut. Newsham. "Information was received from the Defence Office that, unless the Legion I’ifle Club was re-organised, it. would become defunct. The organisation took place immediately and branches were started at Gisborne, Te Karaka, and Motu. The Legion Itifie Club comprises at the present day one of the largest in New Zealand with a membership of 84. Matches have been held at Gisborne. Te Karaka, Motu. and Opotiki. Trophies have been presented by Legion men in all shoots. A Memorial Cup has been presented by Frontiersman A. E. Harris, to be known as the Twistletou Memorial Cup to be competed for by members of "C" Squadron only. ■ "Members of "C” Squadron have asked for a troop, to be formed at J?a----t-utahi and a Uiiic Club at Ngatapa, but owing to pressure of work during Conference week Cm.- has not. allowed this to take place ” The chairman mated tint, owing to the meeting coming so soon after the Conference, it had not been possible to prepare a balance-sheet for the meeting. The Squadron was, however, in a sound financial position, there being a credit balance of just under £IOO at the bank. In addition to this, there were assets valued at £6l, £32 owing for equipment, and £lO4 annual subscriptions due. It was unanimously decided that the O.C. should be paid an honorarium of £3O in recognition of his past services in re-organising the Sqtiadron. It was also decided that £SO be annually earmarked for the O.C. to draw from in respect of expenses incurred by him.

Officers for the ensuing -year were elected as follows: —0.C., W. Brccliin; Ist Lieut., J. Harvey; 2nd Lieut., j. Poynter; organising officer, C. White; lion sec., A. Nicol; Sergt.Major, ,I''. McNutt; Q.M.S., A. Woods; Sergts., A. Pritchard, W. Elliot. Some discussion resulted over the election of the officers. Both Riflemen Newsham and Povnter, who were, nominated for the position of 2nd Lieut., desired to withdraw their nominations each in favor of the other. It was decided, however, that both nominations njust stand, but the matter was further complicated, when, after the ballot was taken, it was ascertained.that the voting was even.

Both men immediately expressed a desire to resign, but again the meeting was evenly divided. It was then suggested that the chairman should give a casting vote, but this he declined to do. A third candidate was nominated, but the chairman ruled that the nomination was too late.

Ultimately, Rifleman Newsham refused to accept the position and Rifleman Poynter whs declared elected. Capt. Brechin also stated that ho intended that another O.C. should be elected in his place. He stated that they were relying too much on the work of'one man and he did not think that this was in the interests of theLegion. The suggestion was not favorably received, it being unanimously considered that Capt. Brechin was the one man for the position. Sergt.-Major Morris stated that, in his opinion, it was a wrong practice to elect officers annually. An officer, he said, should bo elected for a term of at least five years. In twelve months, he only started to get. into the work and he could see not justification for an annual election.

It was ultimately decided that it be a recommendation to the next Conference that the election of officers only take place every five years. It was decided to grant the O.C. three months' leave of absence..,-