THE VOLUNTEERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6130, 17 March 1898, Page 2

THE VOLUNTEERS.

« RANGIORA VOLUNTEER COMPANY. The eleventh annual meeting of the Rangiora Rifle Company was held at the drill-hall last evening. There was an attendance of forty membero. Captain Helmore presided. The annual report stated that the year had been one of the most successful since the formation of the company. At the beginning of the year there were but thirty-three on the roll, but thanks to hard work on the part of some of the members the strength of the company was now fifty-seven. Regret wasexpressed at failure to fill the vacancy of second lieutenant. The appearance of the company, had, been. greatly improved by the new uniform, which was oneof the beßt in the Canterbury Battalion. The conduct of the men had been good during the' year and attendance at drill fairly satisfactory. Sixteen had failed to earn capitation. This was due to the men neglecting to put in their parades early in the* year. The success and good results of the private camp were referred to, and details of the matches fired were given. There was not enough interest taken in ' the shooting, and it was suggested that matches should be arranged between teams picked from the company. Complaint was made respecting defective' ammunition, many cartridges having failed to go off. Regret was expressed at the failure of the team to compete in the route' marching competition, due to only two sergeants going into training, and both being unable to attend owing to sickness. The balance-sheet showed receipts .£l5O 7s lOd, and expenditure £164- 18s Id, including private camp .£25 3s 9d; uniforms (part payment) J360; drillshed,. orderly-room, range and target expenses, £2i 10s 3d ; and interest on hall mortgage,. .£lB. The assets were stated to be .£689 103 3d, and the liabilities .£369 158, leaving a credit balance of .£319. 15a sd. Taking into account the heavy expenditure on new uniforms, the balance-sheet was considered to be highly satisfactory, and, together with the report, was adopted. The election of officers for the year resulted as follows :— Secretary, Corporal A. Smith (re-elected) 5 committee, iColourSergeant d'Auvergne, Sergeants F. and H, Gulliver, Corporals C. W. Bell and Humphreys, Lance-Corporal Tolputt, Privates Downing, De Troy and Geddis ; Finance Committee, to act with the officers, Colour-Sergeant d'Auvergne, and Sergeant H. Gulliver; Firing Committee, Lieutenant d'Auvergne, Colour-Sergeant d Auvergne, Corporal Eell, Corporal Humphreys and Sergeant H. Gulliver; ammunition custodian, Corporal C. W. Bell; auditor, Mr C. I. Jennings. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Rangiora Brass Band for services rendored very willingly on several occasions during the year. Votes of thanks were aho accorded *i*f don oi"s of special prizes for the. held day, to Captain Helmore aud Mr A.. Iteeves for illustrated papers supplied to the orderly-room, to the secretary (Corporal Smith) with an honorium of ono gumea, and to Corporal Bell, ammunition* custodian. Appreciative reference was made to the kindness of Mr "W. Bevrogton in allowing the use of his grounds adjoining the range, audit was decided to forward hi m a vote of thanks, accompanied with a guinea. A motion was minuted deploring the death of Mrs M. Scott, who had shovn many kindnesses to the company, un the motion of Corporal Humphreys, it was decided to procure a challenge trophy to Bhoot for. The committee was recommended to endeavour to provide prizes to be fired for by the most regular attendants at drill ; also to get up military concerts during the year to raise funds for firing prizes. With reference to the route inarch - ing competition, it was decided to suggest to the committee of management that either sergeants or corporals march with the squads. The meeting closed with a hearty vote of thanks to the officers.