THE INVERCARGILL RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.

Southland Times, Issue 17193, 12 November 1912, Page 3

THE INVERCARGILL RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.

FIRST MEETINGS. (From The Despatch, July 2, 1869). The first meeting for drill of the Invercargill Rifle Volunteers took place on Wednesday at Messrs Mueller and Geisow’s rooms, Tay street; notwithstanding the inclement weather, from 50 to GO gentlemen were present, and upwards of an hour was spent in drill, which was under the superintendence of Mr Rodd, x assisted by Captain Harvey, and Lieutenant John Macdonald. We congratulate the Volunteers upon the success of their first meeting, and trust that on Friday evening, every absentee, whether "officer” or “full private,” will appear in hia place.

A large muster of the Invercargill Rifle Volunteers took place on Wednesday at the Prince of Wales Hotel, Dea street. James Harvey, Esq., M.P.C., was voted to the chair. A letter was read from the General Government, accepting the offer of service, and stating that 60 stand of arms with accoutrements, would be forwarded to the perintendent for distribution amongst We Volunteers. Tha report of the Committee was then read, which suggested that in the absence olf powers to employ a drill instructor, and not finding any properly qualified person willing to take that office, the Committee recommended that temporary officers too appointed, part of whose duty should be to conduct the drill until a good staff was appointed, such officers to consist oC a captain, lieutenant, ensign, surgeon, four sergeants, and two corporals, and also a treasurer and secretary. _ It was also intimated that Messrs Mueller and Geisow had offered the use of their auction rooms as a drill room for the use of the corps. The meeting then proceeded to elect temporary officers; when Mr AV. Perkins was elected treasurer, and Xvlr AA’ade was requested to continue to act as secretary. Mr Harvey was unanimously elected captain, and Mr J. Macdonald was also unanimously elected as lieutenant. Dr Grigor was elected surgeon. A ballot took place for ensign, the candidate proposed being Messrs A, Eonar, jun... Mr J. C. Henderson, and Mr Geisow, On tho votes being taken, tha numbers were for Mr Eonar 19, Mr Henderson S, and Mr Geisow 7. Mr Eonar was consequently elected. The meeting then proceeded to elect four sergeants, it being determined that tho candidate who had the greatest number of votes should be senior sergeant. The candidates proposed were Messrs Geisow. Hatch, Kingsland, McConnell, Pettigrew, Rose, Wade, and AATlkinson. On the ballot being taken, the numbers were Wade 29, Geisow 24, Kingsland 17, Hatch 14, McConnell 12, Pettigrew 12, AVilkinsou 12, Rose S. , The. were consequently declared duly elected. Seven candidates were proposed as corporals, and on a ballot being taken, the numbers were as follow : —Mr McConnell, 13; Mr Rose, 13; Mr Wilkinson, 10; Mr E. King, 7; Messrs Ferguson, Hamilton and Pettigrew had five vote* eacli ■ It was resolved that the corps meet for drill every AVodnesday and Friday, and that the first drill take place to-morrow, at Messrs Mueller and Gc'sow's room in Spey street. It was intimated that Mr A. Rodd, late Lieut, of the South Devon Militia, and for some lime on the paid A olunteer Staff of Aictoria, had volunteered to act as instructor during the time he remained in the province. It was also stated that the Provincial Brass Band had offered their services, on condition of being provided with music and uniform. Th« meeting then terminated.