MOTUEKA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 1 September 1932, Page 11

MOTUEKA

DEFENCE RIFLE CLUB ANNUAL MEETING HELD At the annual meeting of the Motueka Defence Rifle Club, Mr G. A. Crossman (president) presided over a large attendance of members. The chairman, in his opening remarks, stated that the drib had carried on with members’ 1 subscriptions and the sale of ammunition. The Defence Department did not help directly but indirectly by supplying the ammunition. He congratulated the club on the improvement in the standard of shooting. A team, lie said, had gone to Tapawera, where they were shooting against the best men in the province; and Motueka team had missed winning the shield by only one point. There would probably lie a still greater improvement, this year. The report and balance sheet were read and adopted. The chairman congratulated the secretary on the very comprehensive report submitted. Before proceeding with the election of officers a vote of thanks to those retiring was carried by acclamation. Mr Crossman thanked the secretary and the committee for their' assistance and co-operation throughout the year. In regard to handicapping, lie said it was a difficult job. Mr Morrisons and lie had given a good deal of time to it; aiid in spite of the uncertainty of human nature he hoped they had given satisfaction and, at least, they had done their best. New members elected were, Messrs F. Drumomnd, J. Stone, E. F. Gledhill, T. Stevens, L. T. Grirnstone, Russell York and C. L. Rolling. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: Patron: Mr S. Eginton (re-elected); president: Mr G. A. Crossman (reelected); deputy-president: Mr P. Calder; vice-presidents: Messrs T.

Stevens, S. T. Hughes and L. Stanton; secretary: Mr J. 0. Anderson (reelected); treasurer: Mr S. Cate (i'e? elected); custodian of ammunition: Mr S. Cate (re-elected); handicappers: Messrs Crossman and Morrison (reelected); committee: Messrs G. Manifold, S. Mather, C. Morrison, A. Ray And L. T. Grirnstone; section committee: Messrs Morrison, Crossman and Anderson; postponement committee: Messrs Grirnstone, Anderson and Morrison; auditor: Mr S. B. Canavan (re-elected). It was decided that a letter of thanks be sent to Mr Canavan for his services as auditor for the past year. Regarding the electing of a coach some discussion took place, during which Mr Painter expressed the opinion that only the president was in a position to lie coach. The president, replying, explained that they had arrangements for allowing coaches in matches. In the case of beginners, he said, the rules allowed, in trophy matches, experienced members to coach them, till in a position to get on to a reasonable score. After further discussion, on the proposal of Mr Grirnstone, it was decided that two coaches be elected. They are Messrs Crossman and Painter. The chairman then called on Dr Green to present the trophies. Dr Green said his qualification to he given the honour was that he was president of the Motueka Returned Soldiers’ Association. It gave him I great pleasure to he present and to see, such a full muster of members. No man, in his opinion, could he a decent Tifle shot unless he possessed more than the usual intelligence. He congratulated the club on its splendid collection of trophies and the winners on their fine performance. He hoped the club would have a very successful year; and. lie added, “if enthusiasm is an indication of success that is sure to follow.” TROPHIES AND WINNERS Trophies and winners were as follows: Championship and National Tobacco Co., trophy (travelling rug): Rifleman A. Ray; Hudson Clip and Bridle's trophy (Framed picture): Rifleman F. Tcece; E. J. Wills’ Cup and P. Calder’s trophy (vases): Rifleman S. Mather; W. D. & 11. 0. Wills trophy (Cigarette case): Rifleman A.- Ray; F. Bower’s trophy (gold medal): Rifleman A. Ray; L. Kelling’s trophy (20 packets ammunition): Rifleman F. Painter 12 packets, Rifleman S. Mather 0 packets, Rifleman P. Calder 2 packets; K. Balchan’s trophy (vases): Rifleman F. Teece: T. Stevens’ trophy (cup): Rifleman R.. Miller; C. Stilwell’s trophy (rose bowl): Rifleman S. Mather; L. Stanton's trophy (silver vase): Rifleman P. Calder; S. T. Hughes’ trophy (butter dish); Rifleman S. Mather;

A. Manoy and Sons’ trophy (rose howl): Rifleman P. Calder; C. Skilton’s trophy (cigarette case): Rifleman G. A. Crossman. Mr Crossman spoke, at length of the work in connection with the preparation of the range and the time it Vould take to have it ready. In his opinion the fixing of the opening day should he left to the committee. Finally, it was decided that the fixing of the opening day be left to the committee with a recommendation that it be the 24th September, if possible. With regard to the championship shoots Mr Painter though that it should be a recommendation to the committee to hold these right through the season. Tlie chairman was of the opinion that putting off to the end of the season meant that shooting took place in bad light. Mr Grirnstone contended that, if championships were shot for right through tlie season, members would take more interest in the contests. He then moved, seconded by the chairman, that it be a recomniendation to the committee that championships he shot over the whole season. This was carried. It was agreed that the first committee meeting be held on Monday, 12th September. On the motion of Messrs Morrison aiid Cate a vote of thanks was passed to Mr S. Eginton for the use of the range. A vote of thanks was also, extended to the secretary for the hard work, done by him, during the year. Mr Anderson, returning thanks, said it had always been a pleasure to him to do any work for the club. The chairman drew the attention of the meeting to a handsome cup, presented to the club by Mr T. Stevens, and also the miniature cup accompanying it, which would go to the winner each year. The thanks of the club were due, said the chairman, to Mr Stevens; and the club was to he congratulated on having such a fine trophy. The vote of thanks was carried by acclamation. Mr Stevens, who was asked to fix the conditions for the winning of the cup, said he would confer later with the committee on this point, Mr T. Hughes was also thanked for his trophy.