ARAMOHO RIFLE GLUB.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9838, 2 September 1899, Page 2

ARAMOHO RIFLE GLUB.

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The annual meeting of the Aramoho Itiflo Club was hold hwt evening iv the Borough Council Chambora, whon J. Purnell (Captain of tho Club) presided. Tho following annual report nan read by Iho secretary, Mr J. Bates : — Mr Chairman aud Gentlemen,

Your Committee luvvo much ploasuro in laying bofore you tho first annunl report. At a preliminary meeting hold at Aramoho on tho 22nd of Juno, 1808, it was decidod to form a club. Tho first general meeting was hold on the 2nd of September in tho Borough Council Chambers, at which the rulos subraitod by your Committee wore, with a few slight alterations, adopted. On the loth of September a practice match was fired between teams chosen by the Captain aud Deputy-Captain (11 aside) iv which tho latter wero victorious. Tho official oponing took place on the 17th of October by tho President (W. T. Owon, Esq.) who requested Mrs Hatrick (Mayoress) to'firo tho first shot, ■which sho kindly acceeded to, the result being a bull's-eyo. Tho President, ou returning thanks, presented the Mayoress with a suitable memento of the occasion in the shape of a, gold brooch with croeßed rifles. Owing to the inoleinency of the woather, the afternoon was completely spoilt, which was to bo regrofcted, ac oxtensivo arrangements had boon mado by tho ladies for entertaining tho Club members, their friends, and visitors. The thanks of tho Club arc duo to Mcsdamra Purnell, Cummins, Bates, Romingtonj Foster and others for their kindnoss iv providing for, and attending to tho refreshments. A friendly match was arranged with tho Wanganui Rifles, but owing to a number of our best shots not turning up, and tho majority of those who did, having to firo on a Saturday afternoon in half a galo of wind, while tho majority of the Rifles fired in a perfect calm on tho Monday morning, wo woro badly beaten. Your Committee would suggest to tho incoming one that in any futuro match both teams should firo on tho same day. At a meeting held in January of this year 12 mombors wero selected to go into practice for tho N.Z. R.A. meeting for the purpose of picking a team, A competition was arranged for, but only three put in an appearance. This may bo accounted for that the question of ofßliation was still in abeyance, aa thoir rules prevented some of thoH' who would bo selected from taking part. A deputation, consisting of Messrs Pnrnell, Remington, and the Secretary, wailed on tho Council of the Association as to our position, when they agreed that if we entered a team they would bp considered members of tho Club, notwithstanding that any of thorn had already ontcred ns Volunteers or membero of other Clubs. However, it was too late as threo out of our five were already included in tho Rifle's team. The Club affiliated and have the bronze wodn), which is still to be competed for. No other competitions wero hold during the season. In conclusion, gentlemen, your Committco arc of opinion that if the ensuing season is to bo a success, some distinction must bo mndo between active "Voluntcors and civilians, as it is useless for the latter, who probably firo onno or twico in the year to compete successfully against, the former, who aro in constant practice. It may bo mentioned that out of tho ten highest prizes given on the opening da}', the first, sixth, eighth, and ninth, woro appropriated by Volunteers. For the Committee, J. PURNELL, Chairman. JOHN BATES, Hon Secretary. The balance-sheet showed a credit balanco of Jill 12s Id. Tho receipts amounted te £55 2s Id, including 101 subscriptions of 10s each. Tho report and balance-sheet wsre adopted. The name of the Club was dialled to "Tho Wanganui Riflo Club." The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mr W. T. Owpn; vicpPresidont and Captain, Mr J. Purnell; deputy-Captain, Mr R. Darling; vicePresidents, Messrs T. D. Cummins, C. Kruso, W. R. Remington; Hon. Sec. and Treasurer, Mr J. Bates; Committee, Messrs G. Ross, A. W. McKonzie, J. Graham, J. 11. Purnoll, W. Spurdle, and 0. Hughes. It was decided to leave the opening day in tho hands of the committee, nnd te divide tho club into two classes for competitions — Volunteers and civilians. It was proposed to hold monthly competitions. A hearty rote of thanks was accorded Mr J- Bates for the energy displayed by him in tho dtitieß of secretary and treasurer. Minor matteis were discussed and the mooting terminated with a vote to the chair.