VOLUNTEER NOTES FROM SOUTHLAND.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13859, 23 March 1907, Page 6

VOLUNTEER NOTES FROM SOUTHLAND.

The fourteenth annual meeting of Southland Riflo Club was hold on Mondayevening last. Captain M'Noil presided over a representative gathering of local riflemen, The balance sheet and report showed the club to be in a sound financial condition. The elob championship was again won by Mr A. R. Wills, Mr I'. C. Leo being runner-up. Severhl valuable trophies havo • already been promised for the ensuing year, and a bright season of prosperity seems assured. The club was represented at both Redcliffs and Trentham, several members shooting up welt -into tho leading soores. The election of ofticc-bearers resulted as follows-:—Patron, Sir J. G. Ward; president, Mr A. 1\ Hawke; vioo-presidents— Major Murphy, Captain M'Kenzie, Messrs J E. Watson, R. J. Gilinour, C. G. Wilson,j A. Forguson, F. W. Groshani, and W.I Smith; captain, A. Lyall; lieutenant, ;R. Duthic; .committee—Messrs A. Robinson, A R. Wills, L. Potter, M... Chmroni, and ofßoc-bcan>rs; Selection Committee—Messrs • A. Cowan and A. It. Wills; handieappcr,' •Mr A. R. Wills; auditor, Mr H: Duthie; secretary, Mr 11. S. Searle; treasurer, Mr H. Morrison. This conclndod tho business, and with a voto of thanks to tho ohairman ami retiring 1 office-bearers tho meeting adjourned'.

On Tuesday evening the members of B Company, Orcti Rifles, assembled for the purposo of presenting to Corporal Wooiliield some token of their appreciation on the acoasion of his marriage. Captain Lennie made the presentation in a neat little speech, to which tho recipient suitably responded. Tho present, took tho form of a handsome hanging lamp.

C Company, Awarua Rifles, paraded on Friday last for commanding officer's inspection. There was a. satisfactory muster, and the subsequent company and arm drill was smartly carried out. In this, as in other local companies, there are signs of groat improvement in the manner of work and the completion of it. Tho hope -is expressed that the continuation will bo insisted upon. Grasmere to-day was occupied by the Riflo Club for a trophy ehoot, while tho members of the Oreti Rifles entertained their lady *frie>i"ds with their annual ladies' day and range picnic. The day was beautifully fine, although rather bright for effective shooting. A very 1 o'clock breeze was in evidence.

The clearing out of "undesirables" that comes as the experience of all corps oil tho conclusion of the Volunteer year has had a telling effect upon ,musters of lirfc. However, recruiting lias) already commenced, and 'although a slow process ye» it is a steady one, and the clajs offering,are some well within a high standard.. This much there is that is satisfactory. IJalanco sheets and annual reports ar« the order of the day, and it is well to dote the healthy tone of such and tho hopeful spirit dominating them. Regret is expressed generally at the lapse of the Easter mammv.'xs, and without doubt there is much for thought ill the mutter, This want of enthusiasm has come to us repeatedly under similar circumstances, and one is inclined to blame others than tlio man ill the ranks for it: That the new year may bring with it more of the spirit of tlio movement is earnestly hoped for.