PUBLIC MEETING.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3280, 1 April 1885, Page 3

PUBLIC MEETING.

PROPOSAL TO FOBM A RIFLE COMPANY. ,

A public meeting of those interested m the formation of a Volunteer Rifle Company m Timaru was held m Messrs Jonas and Bourn's rooms last evening, fully 300 persons being present. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair. The Chairman, after reading the advertisement calling the' meeting, gajd he was glad to see such a large number present. It clearly showed that the greatest interest was being taken by the public m the matter of the proposed Rifle Company. He felt sure that if aCompany was' formed here it would be'eecond to none m the colony. In

the present Btato of affairs, with war seemingly so olose at hand, he thought it w the duty of every country to be m a complete state of defence; to he prepared for war, and then there was no fear of their being taken unawares. A time would come when every country would follow the example of Germany, and make every man a soldier. Although the advertisement stated the meeting was called to form a Rifle Company, any sort of a company might be formed, and it would probably lead to the formation of others. (Applause.) Mr White said he did not know why it had been left to him to convene the meeting. Several had asked him to do it, and he had done it, and he felt it an honor to be ' now addressing the meeting. For years past, as everyone knew, we have had a company of Artillery and Cavalry m Timaru, and from the manner m which they have acquitted themselves, he felt sure if a Rifle Company were formed here they would acquit themselves equally well. The occasion had now arisen when every company that could be formed would be wanted. The meeting had had a noble instance of men leaving their homes and going to a distant part of their country to defend it ; he meant the 0 Battery under the command of Captain Hamersley, when they went to the " front." (Applause.) The Captains of the Artillery, Cavalry and Naval Corps m Timaru had expressed themselves that -what -was wanted was infantry to back them up. He (the speaker) did not know much about military affairs himself, but it wob his firm opinion that such was wanted. Every man now who could shoulder arms should offer their services to their country. He eulogised the action of the New South Wales contingent m so nobly offering their services to the Mother Country to fight m a distant land, and hoped that- they -wonld distinguish themselves; —he felt sure they would. (Loud applause.) Our Mother Country had paid a compliment to one of hor colonies, m fact to all of them, when she delayed the advance on Tamai so that the colonial troops might take part m it. (Applause.) It was the duty of each colony to help the others and the "Mother Country m every possible way. His Excellency ■ the Governor m his report on the defences of the colony of New Zealand, said "It is obviously impossible to fortify all the harbors of New Zealand. The protection of Napier, New Plymouth, Timaru, Oaniaru, Hokitika, Greymouth, Westport, and other comparatively minor places, must be provided for by local naval forces acting as auxiliaries to Her Majesty's cruisers, and combined as far as practicable with other means of defence. At or near most of the places named, field forces of riflemen and field guns would also be available for protection." He was glad that His Excellency was of the same opinion as himself and all those present with regard to the land defence of Timaru. Years ago as most of those present would remember a meeting was called for the same purpose us this had been called, when ovor one hundred persons signed a requisition asking for a Rifle Company to be formed here. That requisition was sent by him to Christchurch, and when forwarded to the Government, a reply was sent back to the effect that there were already too many companies m existence. The great necessity of defence was at seaport towns, which an enemy's vessels would have to attack 'before they could get inland. He felt it an honor to be m his position addressing the meeting. He was a lawyer, and, as everyone knew, lawyers always liked to be on either the defensive or offensive side— (laughter)— and he thought that others besides lawyers would soon be m one of those positions. The subject under discussion was one that ought to commend itself to everyone. Such a step was advised by the Governor, and, it was quite unnecessary for him to remark, waa heartily approved of by Major Cautley. The services of a rifle company here would, he was convinced, be only too readily accepted, and then Timaru would bo looked upon as willing and able to defend itself. (Applause.) On the question of expense, ho would remind those present that the Government allowance or capitation was £2 10s per annum, which he thought was quite sufficient to buy them uniforms, as all would join to make the effect of the company felt and not for the sake of dressing gaudily. As . the requisition was lying on the table, ho asked all those present to sign it. Mr Levien then proposed—" That it is desirable to form a Rifle Corps m Timaru." Mr Packman seconded thiß, and on being put to the meeting it was carried unanimously. The Chairman said the meeting was open to hear anyone's views on tlie subject. He then asked evory_person above the age of 18 to sign the requisition. To make a start he would sign it himself, but he did not know what sort of a soldier he would make. (Laughter.) Mr White said the Government would give the Company a name, so they need not trouble themselves about that. A voice : Call it General Jackson's Regiment. (Laughter.) Dr Hogg proposed — "That the list be sent to Government for their approval, and that it lie at Mr White's office tb-mdrrow m order to : give others an opportunity to sign it." Mr Bruce seconded this, and it was carried unanimously. * During the evening .73 persons signed tho list. . . Votes of thanks to the Chairman for presiding, and to Messrs Jonas and Bourn for the use of their rooms, were, carried by acclamation,. and the meeting, dispersed.