THE VOLUNTEERS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCV, Issue 10918, 28 March 1896, Page 2

THE VOLUNTEERS.

SMOKE CONCERT. The annual smoke concert of the noncommissioned officers of the North Canterbury District was held at Lyttelton on Wednesday evening. Staff Sergeantmajor Purvis occupied the chair, and was supported by Sergeant-major Wordell, of the Permanent Artillery, and Sergeantmajor Treleaven, of the E Battery. The Chairman made a few remarks on the objects of the gathering, which were, he said, not only for the purposes of amusement, but also that the “non-coms ” might be enabled to better understand their duties. He went on to discuss matters of discipline in camp, and the duties of noncommissioned officers in this connection. He was of opinion that the service would be greatly bonofitted if those present were formed into a class or club, so that they could meet together occasionally (say once a month) for mutual instruction. It Tra.3 Aooidefl to fall iu with tLo nrlggestion, and steps will immediately be taken, to carry out the idea. During the evening the following toasts were proposed :—“ The Queen,” “ The Staff,” proposed by Chief Petty-Officer Toomey, and responded to by Sergeant-Major Smith. / " Canterbury Rifle Battalion,” proposed by Sergeant-Major Arnold and responded to by Quarter-master-Sergeant Millar. “The Rifle Champion,” proposed by Sergeant-Major Treleaven, and responded to (in the absence of Sergeant Watelin) by Corporal Jackson. “ County Corps,” proposed by Sergeant-Major Borland and responded to by Sergeant-Major Purvis. “ The Ladies,” “ The Chairman ” and the “ Press.” Songs were contributed by Sergeants Coward, Hopkins, Colclbugh, Hartiand, SergeantMajors Arnold and Treleaven, ColourSergeant Bean and Bombardier Carting. It was agreed to hold a gathering in camp if the officer commanding saw no objections and a most successful evening was brought to a close by passing votes of thanks to the honorary treasurer, Sergeant-Major Purvis, and the honorary secretaries. Chief PettyOfficer Toomey and Sergeant Colclough.

KAIAPOI RIFLE VOLUNTEERS, The adjourned annual meeting of this company was held in the drillshed. on Thursday evening, when there was an attendance of about sixty. Captain Thomas Millar presided, supported by Lieutenant Simpson and Sergeants Blackwell and Pearce. The Chairman congratulated the company on its position, and said he had just been informed on good authority that the volley and independent firing of the . Kaiapoi Volunteers were the best in the ' colony. In the shooting for the past year the company had won first prize in Canterbury, and had carried off the challenge shield. The balance-sheet showed total receipts =£297 8s 3d and expenditure £262 17s 7d. The assets wore £524 10s, and liabilities £5Ol 15s 6d. Colour-Seargeant Blackwell, as one of the auditors, spoke of the very neat way the books were always kept by the Secretary, Sergeant A. Pearce. The election of officers resulted as follow: —Secretary, Sergeant A. Pearce, re-elected ; custodian (arms and' ammunition). Lieutenant P. G-. Simpson, re-elected, with Private "VV. Pearce as assistant; Finance Committee, ColourSergeant Blackwell and Sergeant A. Winterbourne; Firing Committee, Corporal Simpson, Privates Fraser, Scott, C. Oram, F. Robilliard, Hayman and Planna; auditors, Colour-Sergeant Blackwell and Sergeant IT. Paekwood. The usual grant of £3 was made towards the cadets’ prize fund, and the usual honorarium of £5 to the Secretary. It was decided to present all the snider ammunition on band to the cadets for practice. The amounts of £2O and £ls were put aside for the annual field day and best-attendance prizes respectively. The company then adjourned to the orderly-room, where a smoke concert was tendered to Corporal Simpson, in recognition of his success at the New Zealand Rifle Association meeting. Captain Millar presided, and was supported by the officers of the corps and Honorary-Surgeon Dr H. Compton Parsons. The prizes won at the field day were presented, and a pleasant time was spent.