THE VOLUNTEERS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVII, Issue 12789, 21 April 1902, Page 6

THE VOLUNTEERS.

The annual meeting of the Kaiapoi Rifles Was held in the Orderly-room, on Thursday evening, when there was a good attendance. In responding to the toast of the "Navy, Army and Volunteers" Mr D. Buddo, M.H.R., said it gave him much pleasure to be with the Volunteers that evening, and ho wag gaining experience by seeing the manner in which the Kaiapoi Corps managed their affairs. He contended that each time an officer held a parade the same ought to count as one for capitation. He was very pleased to see the unitv existing between officers and men. He contended that the 18,000 Volunteers in' the colonies would be ample to repel any attack from an outside force. Some colonials were inclined to profess their independence of the _ Mother Country, but such was in his opinion very wrong. He maintained that every young man, whatever his position in life might be, ought to be prepared to give some little time to drill, for even, if never required for active service, the drill would do him some good. In answer to Captain Papprill, the speaker said that anything the Volunteers of North Canterbury wished bringing before the Defence Minister, he would be happy to take in hand. (Cheers).' Mr R. Moore replied to the toast of the Honorary Members of the Corps. Sergeant G. Simpson, of the Tenth Contingent was present, and was the recipient of a very useful waistbelt from his comrades of the " Lupin Campers." Songs were given by Messrs J. Templeton, L. Oram, H. Feaitherstone, A. M'Kay and others. Ex-Captain Millar, in speaking, said he considered that the Grand Battalion Challenge Shield, which bore the Kaiapoi Corps' name as winner for ten times out of the thirteen (as the shield is now full) ought to be given to that corps. (Cheers). Corporal Whitley, in receiving the champion belt from the hands of Lieutenant Winsloe, was complimented upon his unselfishness in always coaching young shots and pushing them: on for competitions, in which he himself was taking part. Corporal Whitley was also presented with Surgeon-Major ParsonsVs prize of a handsome silver cruet. Captain Millar's prize of £3 3s for the squad volley firing was won by Sergeant, Pearce's squad. Itwas reported that 'twenty-four members had gained attendance prizes,- and out of thirty men twenty-nine gained firing badges. The corps had won ten out of eleven matches fired. The ranks had been somewhat thinned by the Contingents', some ten men having joined, and by the Tentli three. of the best shots were going. A general meeting of the Queen's Cadets was held in the Orderly-room on Wednesday night, when officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: —President, Lieutenant Prebble; secretary, Sergeant Dunstan ; treasurer, Captain Lane ; auditors, Sergeant Hobbs and Corporal Murfitt; custodian of room, arms and uniforms, Colour-Sergeant Prebble; Finance and Shooting Committees were also elected. As the strength of the corps has been increased to 63, it was decided to get new uniforms, and to arrange for a concert to help to defray expenses of the same. At tlie annual meeting of the Mackenzie Mounted Rifles at Fairlie, on Thursday last. Mr J. Dundas Hamilton was chosen captain in place of Captain Bruce Gillies, who has been promoted to adjutant, and Dr S. J. Cook wa« elected surgeon in place of. Dr W. H. Hornibiook, who has-, gone to England. Mr J. Dundas Hamilton is well-known in South Canterbury as an enthusiastic athlete, and footballer of a few years ago. He seived as sergeant in South Africa with Kitchener's Horse, having gone there with a troop from the Argentine.