A NEW MOUNTED CORPS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2818, 18 March 1908, Page 14

A NEW MOUNTED CORPS.

The movement to form another mounjted a-pa ia Dunedio *dv»noed another stage

on Thursday, when a meeting was held ilk the Officers' Clubroom, Garrison Hall, Mr A. Slinger being in the chair. He explained that this was the eighth meeting, and that 26 had signed the roll, and more were willing to sign. Under these circumstances he thought it was a pisy that the movement ehould not go ahead. At the conclusion of the chairman's remarks five of those present signed on, which! brought up the total to 31. One of those present said that if another meeting were held he could get four more men ; al6o, that one man, already a member of a Volunteer company, was thinking of joining, and if he did so he would probably, bring 10 or 15 men with him. It was then decided to hold another meet--in*? next Thursday evening at the same tim« and place. Captain Freeman and Lieutenant Haetie at this stage joined the meeting, and the former, addressing those present, said they knew there was already a mounted corps in existence which was up to its maximum establishment of 84, but it could go beyond,, that provided the corps was in funds. He^ did not wish to discourage the movement, and felt sure if they did form a corps, and kept it going, it would %c a great acquisition ito the Defence Forces of the Dominion: but they had to consider the future. They knew a number of corps had been formed in days gone by — the Taieri Mounted Ri3es, for instance, which was now disbanded. That corps had a. very substantial debit balance, for which the officers were personally liable. In the event of the proposed -corps not going on, lie would welcpme any of its intending members into the ranks of the Otago Hussars. If they could possibly form a corps, good and well. If they went on he thought his officers would do all they could for them. The Chairman said he had promised Lieutenant Haetie ib&t if the oorps did not come into existence he would endeavour to get intending members to join the -Otago Hussars. He was sure if the oorps did not go on a good many would join the Otago Huseare. He thanked Captain Freeman and Lieutenant Hastie for their attendance, 4od the meeting then ended.