LYTTELTON VOLUNTEER ARTILLERY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 116, 26 September 1868, Page 2

LYTTELTON VOLUNTEER ARTILLERY.

The annual meeting of the Battery took place last night, at the Queen's Hotel. There

was a good attendance of members. Capt. W. H. Hargreaves occupied the chair. The minutes of the former meeting were read and confirmed. The audited balance sheet, showing a credit of £12 4s 4d was read, received, and adopted. Messrs T. Merson, J. Carson, and W. M'Kennar, were elected members. The following members were elected committ«« men for the ensuing year : — Captains Hargreaves and Knowles, Lieut. Tayler, *>er4*t.-Major Walker, Sergt. Bunker, Corpl. Tucker, Farrier Childs, Gunner P. Cameron, Sergt. W. Hillier. Captain Hargreaves explained the course he had taken with respect to the dismissed members. Their letter had been referred back to him for explanations, which he had given. He hoped that a Court of Inquiry would be held, and he could then give full explanations. He had been placed by them and also by the Government in a position to uphold certain rules ; if these rules were not obeyed, then they could have no discipline; if he had done wrong, he was willing to abide by it, and he only hoped tbat the Government would cause an inquiry to be held. The following members were elected to compete in tbe friendly match between the Artillery and Cavalry on Wednesday next : Captain Knowles, Lieut. Cuff, Farrier Childs, Sergeant Hill, and Gunner Wills. V'Jhe chairman read a letter from headquarters, asking if any of the volunteers would volunteer for the Front. He need har«!ly support the letter with any remarks ; no doubt most of them had read Captain Moorhouse's opinion on tbe matter; he entirely agreed with him. He was sure if tbey felt there was any need of their services being required to preserve the lives of their fellow men in the North, Canterbury Volunteers I would be the first to go. (Cheers.) But Canterbury was the last place that ought to put hernelf forward ; her resources were being drained to tarry on a war which was profitable only for those in the North, for wherever war was it created trade. He must say ho did not think that the Artillery were called upon to join in this matter; It was resolved that the letter be left to Captain Hargreaves to deal with. The appointment of officers in the band was confirmed : W., Hillier, Sergeant; T. Bradley, Corporal ; W. G. Lane, Secretary. Respecting the prize medal, Captain Hargreaves said that he had offered this medal as an inducement to promote good ehooting. He suggested that any one winning it should hold it against all comers for twelve months, and the question was how many times he ought to be challenged, and whether the person winning it three times ought not to possess it. A discussion ensued on the subject, when it was decided that all members who are qualified for the Government allowance should be eligible; that any member winning it three times shall possess it ; that there shall be six monthly competitions; and that the firing be five shots each at 200, 400, and 500 yards ; and any winner may wear it on parade. Class firing will take place during the montih of October, and the first firing for the prize will take place on Wenesday, Ilth November. Captain Hargreaves stated that if the committee could see their way clear to purchase a quantity of ammunition and serve it out at a reduced rate, they would do so ; he also said that Lieut. Cuff had placed his resignation in his hands. It was from private reasons he did so, but he had asked him to withdraw it for a month ; and he had consented to do so. He (Captain Hargreaves) was going to Melbourne, and he did not think that the company ought to be short of officers ; he would ask them to relieve him from his duties for five weeks. Votes of thanks' to the retiring members, and to Captain Hargreaves, concluded the meeting.