INCLEWOOD RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 13928, 11 June 1909, Page 3

INCLEWOOD RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.

(From Our Own Correspondent.")

The Inglewood Rifle Volunteers held their annual dinner in the Coffee Palace last (Wednesday) evening, Captain Leech occupying the chair and Lieutenant H. J. M. Thomson the* vice- # chair. Thp chairman was supported on his right by Captain Henry Brown", and on his left by the Rev. Thomas, chaplain to the corps. Mr. W. E. Percival, late lieutenant in the Hafcera Mounted Rifles, Mr. J. Storring, hon. member of the corps, and other guests were also present. After a very excellent supper, provided by Mr. Burnett, had received due consideration, "the gathering proceeded to honour the toast list. After "The King" had been duly honoured, Capv tain Leech proposed "Tho Army, Navy, and Auxiliary Forces," coupling the names of Captain H. Brown (Army and Navy) and Lieutenant Percival (Auxiliary Forces). Captain H. Brown, in responding, said he was somewhat surprised to have his name coupled with the toast on behalf of the Army and Nav^. as lfe had served in neither. Nevertheless he was pleased to be called upon to respond to the toast. He thought the excellent discipline of the British Army and Navy was something to be proud of, and although the same . degree of discipline could not be expected in the case of colonial forces, yet it was nevertheless true that with them also the first requirement was obedience. Captain Brown referred to the glorious record of the British Army and Navy, which he thought should stimulate the Empire's soldiers to deeds of bravery. Lieutenant Percival also referred to the all-important factor of discipline and said he was pleased to see that .t existed in the colonial forces, though colonials were unable to realise the fi;!l value of discipline. The speaker also dealt with the probability of jjioat changes being made in tho New Ze.i*land system of defence in the near future. Lieutenant Thomson then proposed •'The Visitors," pointing out that the moral support of the public was very essential to the success of the volunteering movement. Continuing, ho said many people were inclined to jet r at the volunteers, but the South Afncan War showed that such conduct on the part of the public was not justified. The speaker expressed regret that more civilians did not join tho volunteers. Messrs. H. W. James an ] H. R. Billing responded. The. next toast was "The Ladios," proposed by Lieut. Thomson and responded to by the Rev. Chaplain. Captain Brown proposed "The Inglewood Rifle Volunteers." Captuin Leech, in responding, said the coriis had now been in existence for nine years, although when it was formed its medical advisers had given it but one or two years to live, and at various stages of its existence the medical >pport was decidedly unfavourable. However, some members had thrown nil their energy and zeal into the movement and kept the corps alive. The Captain exhorted his listeners to do their best for the volunteering movement, the benefit and need of which the public was just beginning to realise. The other toasts of the evening were "The Press" and "Our Host and Hostess and their Assistants," which were duly honoured. Songs and other items were rendered between the toasts as follows: — Song, Mr. Bowditch (encored); song, Mr. H. W. James; recitation. Rev. Thonias ; song, Mr. Bowditch (encored); pianoforte solo, Mr. Bagstrom ; song, Mr. J. Sutherland (encored) ; song, Mr. H. J. M. Thomson (encored) ; song, Mr. Robinson; recitation, Mr. R^. J. Frewin; song, Mr. Bowditch (encored) ; song, Mr. H. W. James (encored). Messrs. J. Sutherland and Bagstrom played the accompaniments. During the evening Captain Loocli presented the various trophies won during the past year. The following is a list of the winners: —

Champion Belt Shooting Match. — Sergeant J. H. Turner (champion belt), x also the winner of a set of carvers, 1 ; Corporal W. H. Martin (sot of carvors) 2; Private Dewar (trophy, .spoon), 3. Cup Match. — Lieut. A. E. Surrey (silver cup), 1 ; Corporal "W. H. Martin (bicycle lamp), 2; Sergeant J. H. Turner (shooting box), 3.

First Junior Match off the Gun. — Volunteer S. J. Hine (silver medal). 1 ; Volunteer A. Atkinson (razor), 2; Volunteer Robinson (cigarette holder), 3; Volunteer Manclow (rifle straps), 4 ; Volunteer Clark (pipe), 5; Volunteer Nicholls (electro-plate appliances), 6; Sergeant Crosman (rifle oil), 7. Second Junior Match (handicap). — Private J. Martin (framed picture), 1 • Private Robinson (rug), 2: Private R. J. Hine (sleeve links). 3- Private Clark '4; Private Ward (watch chain), 5; Private A. Atkinson (specimen glass), 6.