Military Forces of the Commonwealth Regulations (Amendment) (Provisional) (Cth)

STATUTORY RULES.

1914. No. 91.

PROVISIONAL REGULATIONS UNDER THE DEFENCE ACT 1903-1912.

Regulations for the Military Forces of the Commonwealth—Regulations 513 to 555—Amendments.

I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council hereby certify that, on account of urgency, the following Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1912, should come into immediate operation, and make the Regulations to come into operation forthwith as Provisional Regulations.

Dated this thirtieth day of July, One thousand nine hundred and fourteen.

R. M. FERGUSON,

Governor-General.

By His Excellency’s Command,

E. D. MILLEN.

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REGULATIONS FOR THE MILITARY FORCES OF THE COMMONWEALTH.—AMENDMENTS.

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Regulations 513 to 555 are cancelled, and the following substituted therefor:—

RIFLE CLUB RESERVES.

513. Rifle Clubs may be established in such localities as may be authorized by the Governor-General, and shall form part of the Military Reserve Forces of the Commonwealth, as laid down in section 32a, sub-section (3), of the Defence Act 1903-1912. Provided, however, that all Rifle Clubs which have been duly gazetted or authorized by General Order prior to these Regulations shall be considered Rifle Clubs duly established under these Regulations.

513a. The control of the Rifle Clubs of the Commonwealth established under these Regulations shall be under the Adjutant-General.

The Director of Rifle Associations and Clubs will be responsible for carrying out duties in connexion with the following:—

(1) The method of allotment of each Rifle Club as a reserve to the Citizen Forces, and the preparation of all notices and forms in connexion therewith.

(2) The efficiency of the Rifle Clubs with regard to training and musketry, and their preparedness as reserves.

(3) Recommendations with reference to the issue of arms, ammunition, &c., to Rifle Clubs.

 

(4) Questions relating to Rifle Club Ranges—their construction, reconstruction, and equipment.

(5) Inspectors of Rifle Ranges, Range Clerks, and Range Foremen, Staffs of military ranges.

(6) Matters regarding land in connexion with Rifle Club Ranges—

(a) Where such is private property—the adjustment of leases;

(b)Where such is the property of the Crown—arranging for and obtaining permissive occupancy through the Department of Home Affairs.

(7) The Commonwealth Council of Rifle Associations.

(8) State Rifle Associations.

(9) District Rifle Club Unions.

(10) Proposals for distribution of grants to Associations and Unions as per (7), (8), (9), and (13).

(11) The Rules of the Commonwealth Council and State Rifle Associations, and District Rifle Club Unions, and any amendments thereof.

(12) Annual reports of State Rifle Associations.

(13) Rules for Miniature Rifle Associations and Clubs.

513b. The Senior Clerk of the Rifle Club’s office at District Head-Quarters, who will be designated “Supervisor of Rifle Clubs,” shall be responsible, under the direction of the District Commandant, for the general supervision of Rifle Clubs in each Military District. The Supervisor of Rifle Clubs may communicate direct with the Director of Rifle Associations and Clubs upon all subjects of a purely routine matter or matters of minor importance in which the authority of the District Commandant is not required. The Supervisor of Rifle Clubs will be held responsible that the Regulations governing Rifle Clubs are strictly observed, and that all orders and directions received from time to time in connexion with Rifle Associations, Rifle Club Unions, Miniature Rifle Clubs and Unions, and Rifle Clubs are carried out, and for the correct performance of his duties as laid down by the Director of Rifle Associations and Clubs.

513c. The Supervisor of Rifle Clubs will be assisted by such staff as may be allotted to the Rifle Clubs Office. In the absence of the Supervisor, the next senior member of the staff will carry out his duties.

513d. The Supervisor of Rifle Clubs will be personally responsible for—

(1) Supplying the District Commandant with such information, and the carrying out of such duties, as may be laid down in mobilization Standing Orders.

(2) The issue of approved instructions to Clubs in regard to musketry, the checking of returns, and compilation of results of annual course.

(3) Where the District Commandant approves of the holding of classes of instruction in drill and signalling, at which members of Rifle Clubs desire to attend, the supply of information accordingly and the compilation of results; and generally—

(4) The supply of information to persons desirous of forming Rifle Clubs and Miniature Rifle Clubs.

 

Application to form a Club.

514. Before any Club can be formed, an application on form R.C. 3, signed by not less than 30 men under the age of 60 years and who are not subject to universal military training under Part XII. of the Defence Act, who must be natural-born or naturalized British subjects, and who are bonâ fide residents of the locality in which it is desired to form the Club, must be forwarded to the Supervisor of Rifle Clubs. Provided, however, that in the case of those persons who are temporarily exempted from compulsory training they may be allowed to become members of a Rifle Club during the period in which such temporary exemption is in force. In special cases the Governor-General may authorize the formation of Clubs in remote districts with a less number than 30.

In the case of Rifle Clubs to be established within the areas proclaimed in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette as exempt from training under the Defence Act 1903-1912, the prescribed form must be signed by not less than 30 men of or over the age of 16 years and under the age of 60 years.

When forwarding form R.C. 3 with their recommendation, District Commandants will state—

(1) Whether suitable rifle range accommodation is available, or if not, whether a suitable site has been selected. In the latter case a certificate from the Supervisor of Rifle Clubs will be submitted, stating that the site selected for a rifle range has been inspected, and that it has been reported as suitable and safe, and that the necessary lease or permissive occupancy has been obtained, also the written consents for firing rights over the land within the danger area.

(2) What expenditure will be necessary, and whether the grant under Regulation 540 (a) will be sufficient to enable a suitable range to be constructed.

(3) Whether sufficient provision exists on the estimates to pay the grant.

Commissions in Reserve Forces

514a. Commissions as 2nd Lieutenants in the Reserve Forces, subject to the conditions prescribed in Regulation 59, may be granted to members of Rifle Clubs who are not subject to military training under Part XII. of the Defence Act 1903-1912, in a proportion not exceeding one commission to every 100 members of the total strength of Rifle Clubs in each Military District, provided that the member has passed the examination as prescribed from time to time for 2nd Lieutenants of Light Horse or infantry (as the candidate may elect), is passed as medically fit by any duly qualified medical practitioner, and has been an efficient member of a Rifle Club for three consecutive years.

Composition Rifle Clubs.

515. Rifle Clubs shall consist of—

(a)Active members, who shall be designated “Reservists,” and Cable Guard members.

(b) Honorary members.

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Classification.

516. (a) Active members shall consist of those who undertake to serve in the Reserve Forces and shall include those members granted commissions in the Reserve Forces under the provisions of Regulation 514a. Persons exempt from service in time of war under section 61(b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) of the Defence Act 1903-1912, and members of the British Army Reserve, may become active members without undertaking to serve in the Reserve Forces.

Cable Guards.

Cable Guards shall be composed of an approved number of active members of any Rifle Clubs in certain defined localities, who shall be liable to be called out for the protection of cable stations and landing places whenever required. Members of Cable Guards shall be entitled to all the privileges and concessions of other active members of Rifle Clubs as prescribed by these Regulations, and shall, when called out for active service, be paid at existing militia rates of pay. If more than 30 per cent. of the members of a Cable Guard be non-efficient after the first year of formation such Cable Guard may be disbanded.

(b)British subjects may be elected as honorary members by the committee of the Club they desire to join, provided, however, that no honorary member shall have a voice in its management, and under no circumstances whatever is his name to be shown in any list of active members submitted to District Head-Quarters as claiming any privilege or concession allowed to active members.

(c) Officers on the Unattached List or on the Reserve of Officers List of the Military Forces of the Commonwealth, who are elected as honorary members, shall be entitled to all the privileges specified for active members.

(d)The officer commanding a Cable Guard shall be granted honorary rank of Captain in the Commonwealth Military Forces, and, if an active member of a Rifle Club, shall be entitled to all the privileges specified for active members.

Nearest Club to be joined.

517. Any person desiring to become a member of a Rifle Club must join the one whose recognized head-quarters are situated nearest to his place of residence, unless authority be granted by the District Commandant for him to join another Club. No person shall join a Rifle Club as an active member whilst he is on the roll of another Rifle Club.

Oath of Allegiance.

518. Every person who is accepted as an active member of a Rifle Club, with the exception of those persons exempt from service in time of war under section 61 (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) of the Defence Act 1903-1912, and members of the British Army Reserve, shall take and subscribe before an officer, a justice of the peace, or the Captain of the Club, the oath of allegiance or affirmation as set forth hereunder:—

Oath.

I swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King as a member of the Reserve Forces of the Commonwealth of Australia, and that I will resist His Majesty’s enemies and cause His Majesty’s peace to be kept and maintained, and that I will in all matters appertaining to my service faithfully discharge my duty according to law. So help me God.

Affirmation.

I solemnly and sincerely affirm and declare that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King as a member of the Reserve Forces of the Commonwealth of Australia, and that I will resist His Majesty’s enemies and cause His Majesty’s peace to he kept and maintained, and that I will in all matters appertaining to my service faithfully discharge my duty according to law.

In the case of those members who undertake to serve in the Cable Guard, the words “Cable Guard” will be inserted in brackets in the oath and affirmation after the words “Reserve Forces.”

Qualification for Membership.

519. The Captain of each Club shall ascertain that every person fulfils the conditions as to age, and that his vision is sufficiently good and, has been tested by the aid of the “Army test types” prior to such person taking the oath.

The Captain of the Club shall thereupon sign the following certificate at the foot of the attestation sheet:—

“I,  , do certify that appears to be within the age entered on this attestation form; that his eyesight has been tested by me by the aid of the ‘Army test types’ and appears to be good; and that he is, in my opinion, suitable for service in case of emergency.”

Enrolments subject to approval.

519a. All enrolments shall be subject to the approval of the District Commandant.

Disbandment of Clubs.

520. If more than 30 per cent. of the active members on the roll of any Rifle Club be non-efficient at any time after the first year of formation, such Club shall be disbanded, unless there are extenuating circumstances which may, in the opinion of the District Commandant, warrant a relaxation of this Regulation.

Resignation.

521. Except in time of war, any member of a Rifle Club may resign by giving fourteen days’ notice, in writing, to the Captain of his Club, and, on such resignation being accepted, his name shall be removed from the list of members. In the case of members who are in possession of or responsible for any Government property, the same must be returned and delivered in good order to the Captain of the Club to such place as he may appoint, or the value of the article or damage or deterioration paid before the resignation can be accepted.

Death or resignation of members to be notified.

522. The Captain of a Club shall at once forward to the Supervisor of Rifle Clubs in the Military District in which the Club is situate a notification of the death, departure from the district, or resignation of any member. The District Commandant shall be the “Commanding Officer” of the Reservists within the Military District. Absence for a longer period than three months from the locality in which a Club is established shall mean departure from the district, and any member so absent, except on leave obtained from the Commandant of his Military District, shall be liable to be struck off the strength of the Club to which he belongs.

Non-efficient for two years to be struck off the roll.

522a. Any active member of a Rifle Club who fails to perform the prescribed course of musketry for two consecutive years shall be struck off the roll of the Club by the District Commandant, and shall be ineligible to rejoin a Rifle Club for a period of twelve months from the date of his having been struck off.

Transfer

523. Any member on leaving the locality of his Club may, at his own request, made in writing to the Captain of the Club, be transferred to a Club convenient to his intended place of residence, provided that the transfer is approved by the Captain of the Club to which transfer is sought and the District Commandant.

No transfer shall be refused upon the grounds of a member not having complied with any by-law of the Club having reference to annual subscription or other fees due to the Club.

Dismissal of Members.

524. The District Commandant may dismiss any member of a Rifle Club for a breach of these Regulations, or for any conduct which, in his opinion, may bring discredit on Rifle Clubs.

Any member of a Club may be recommended by the Captain to be struck off the roll for misconduct or for other sufficient cause, the existence or sufficiency of such cause to be determined by the committee of the Club, and to be approved by the District Commandant.

Orders—how communicated.

525. All orders and directions with respect to the administration and training of Rifle Clubs and their allotment as Reserves will be communicated to the District Commandant by the Adjutant-General, and the District Commandant will issue the necessary orders to give effect to the same.

Members of the Defence Force as honorary members.

526. Nomember of another branch of the Defence Force or Senior Cadets may be other than an honorary member of a Rifle Club, except as provided for in Regulation 516 (c) and (d).

Election of Committee.

527. Every Club shall elect a committee, consisting of a Captain, secretary, treasurer, and four members; and the property of the Club shall be vested in such committee.

Correspondence and payments.

528 (a) Correspondence from Rifle Clubs will be addressed to the Supervisor of Rifle Clubs, District Head-Quarters.

(b)When forwarding payments, the same are to be made by bank draft, cheque, post-office order, or postal note payable to the “District Paymaster.” Postage stamps in excess of fivepence are not to be used as portions of remittances.

Maintenance of order and discipline.

529. Captains shall maintain order and discipline amongst the members of their Rifle Clubs at all rifle practices and other meetings thereof, whether general or committee, and shall be responsible for the proper carrying out of all orders and regulations that may be issued from time to time. It shall be the special duty of the Captain to see that rifle practice is carried out with due precautions to the safety of the public and all concerned; but he may appoint any member of the Club to perform such duties as his deputy when he cannot attend personally.

At all times when members of Rifle Clubs are carrying out training or rifle practice under these Regulations, or rules thereunder, the Regulations for the time being governing the Military Forces shall be taken generally as a guide in all matters of discipline not dealt with under these Regulations. The Captain and

the individual members of the committee are to be responsible for the maintenance of discipline and due compliance with these Regulations, and that all mobilization orders and forms supplied for issue as directed are produced for inspection when required. The Captain and secretary should make themselves conversant with these orders.

Mobilization Orders.

The Honorary Captain of a Cable Guard shall maintain order and be responsible for discipline amongst its members at such times as it is undergoing military training as specified in Regulation 535 (c), and whenever it may be called out for service.

Legal proceedings.

529a. For the purpose of legal proceedings, all arms, ammunition, or other military articles belonging to or used by any Rifle Club shall be deemed to be the property of the Captain of the Club.

Rules of Clubs.

530. The standard set of rules approved by the Governor-General shall be the rules for Clubs.

Rifles issued on prepayment.

531. Captains of Clubs may, on application, be supplied with rifles and spare parts, &c, for active members of their Club at the prices given from time to time in Military Orders. All supplies required from Ordnance Department are to be prepaid.

Rifles will be issued on loan to Rifle Clubs in accordance with such instructions as may from time to time be issued in Military Orders.

Rifles will be sold to active members of Rifle Clubs on a deferred payment system, the conditions of which will be published from time to time in Military Orders.

The proportion of rifles issued to Rifle Clubs furnishing Cable Guards will be increased to provide for the issue of a rifle to each member of the Guard.

Instalments to be guaranteed by Club.

531a. Rifles will not be sold to members of Rifle Clubs on the deferred payment system unless the Club undertakes to act as guarantor for the due fulfilment on the part of the purchaser of the agreement between the purchaser and the District Commandant.

In cases of non-payment of any instalments when due by any member, or of the breach of any condition of the agreement between the purchaser and the District Commandant, the Rifle Club of which the purchaser is, or was, a member shall be responsible for, and shall, on demand, pay the amount due, failing which the amount shall be deducted from the annual efficiency allowance of the Club, or may be recovered from the Rifle Club by action in any Civil Court of competent jurisdiction.

The Captain of the Club may, in the event of any member failing to pay any instalment when due, require such member to deliver up the rifle to him or any other official of the Club deputed by him to act on his behalf, and may recover such rifle by proceedings in a Court of summary jurisdiction.

Arms to be kept in good order.

532. Members of Clubs are required to keep their arms and accoutrements in good order, and to produce them for inspection when called upon.

Carriage of rifles.

533. Rifles, ammunition, and accoutrements, or any other article supplied by the Government, either on purchase, on loan, or free issue, will be delivered, carriage free, at any railway station or seaport in the vicinity of the Club. The Captain of the Club: or, in his absence, a member authorized by him in writing, shall sign the receipt for such, or any other article of Government property issued for the use of members of the Club. He will be held responsible for their safe custody and proper distribution, and will issue no article without obtaining the written receipt of the member to whom he issues it in a book.

When rifles are forwarded by Clubs to Ordnance Store for repairs, the cost of carriage between the nearest port or railway station in the vicinity of the Club will be borne by the Defence Department.

Classification of Efficient and Non-efficient.

534. Active members, including Cable Guard members, of Rifle Clubs will be classified as “Efficients” and “Non-efficients” on the 30th June of each year, to be reckoned from the 1st of July in each year until the 30th June in the following year.

Requirements for efficiency.

535. No active member of a Rifle Club serving under these Regulations shall be entitled to be classified as efficient on the 30th June in any year unless during the twelve months immediately preceding he has fulfilled the requirements hereunder specified:—

(a)Fired through a course of musketry under such conditions as may from time to time be published in Military Orders.

(b) Keeping such arms and accoutrements as may be in his possession clean and in good order, and producing the same for inspection when required.

(c) For Cable Guard members in addition to (a) and (b), attendance at sixteen (16) out of twenty-four (24) hours’ drill annually.

These drills will be carried out in two periods, each occupying five nights and one afternoon (Saturday or such other day as may be arranged locally).

Each drill will be of two hours’ duration.

(d) Members joining a Cable Guard in any year in which the total number of hours of drill available for the year is less than sixteen, attendance at eight hours’ drill, in addition to (a) and (b), will be required for classifying as “efficient.”

Musketry course—when not carried out.

535a. In cases where a Club is prevented from carrying out the musketry course through its rifle range being temporarily closed as unsafe or otherwise, the District Commandant may, after due investigation, classify the members of such Club as “efficient,” but the number so classified as “efficients” shall not exceed the number of “efficients” of the previous year.

Free issues of ammunition.

536. The following free issues of ammunition may be granted to Rifle Clubs, subject to the conditions laid down in Regulation 535—

(a) For each active member—150 rounds for efficiency, 50 rounds for musketry.

(b) For each, active member on enrolment, 100 rounds.

(c) For each efficient member of a Rifle Club possessing a miniature rifle range—250 rounds of .22 R.F., or 100 rounds of .230 inch A.T. ammunition annually.

(d)For each member of a Cable Guard who attends the maximum number of hours of drill (twenty-four), as laid down in Regulation 535 (c)—100 rounds.

Free issues of ammunition to be accounted for.

537. Ammunition issued free annually to Clubs for the use of their members is to be expended during the year for which it is issued. Ammunition is not to be accumulated from year to year. Captains of Clubs will furnish a yearly return on or before the 15th July in each year, showing the balance of efficiency and musketry ammunition on hand, and the unexpended balance of musketry ammunition shall be deducted from the issue for the following year.

Ammunition by purchase.

538. Each effective active member of a Rifle Club shall be entitled to purchase 200 rounds per annum, at the rate of 5s. per 100 rounds, for .303 rifles. Members enrolled before the 1st of March in any year may be permitted the same privilege for that year, although not yet classified as efficient.

Disposal of empty cartridge cases.

539. Captains of Clubs will be expected to make arrangements for the collection of empty cartridge cases, and for the disposal of the same; the proceeds of the sale of such empty cases to be credited to Club funds, and to be used only for Club purposes.

Grants for Rifle Ranges.

540. (a) Each new Rifle Club may receive a grant of money for the formation, construction, and equipment of its rifle range; provided, however, that the maximum grant allotted to any Club for such purpose shall not exceed £75, except under very exceptional circumstances and on the approval of the Governor-General.

(b)The amount of the grant to each Club shall be governed by the report of the Inspector of Rifle Ranges or other qualified person detailed to carry out the inspection, who, after inspecting the proposed site, will record his opinion as to the probable cost of construction and equipment, taking into consideration local conditions and requirements.

(c) In cases where it may be necessary to reconstruct, alter, or carry out any repair to any existing rifle range, subsequent to 15th November, 1911, or one constructed thereafter, a grant not exceeding £75 may be allowed; but when the cost of such reconstruction, alteration, or repair is estimated to exceed £10, the Inspector of Rifle Ranges or other qualified person may be detailed to inspect such range, and report and record his opinion as to the probable cost of reconstruction, alteration, or repair.

(d)Grants for the formation, construction, and equipment of rifle ranges, or for their reconstruction, alteration, or repair, will be subject to the necessary provision being made by Parliament, the certificate of the District Commandant, and the following conditions:—

(e) For new ranges—

(1) That the land upon which the range is situated is held under a permissive occupancy from the Crown; or

(2) If the land upon which the range is situated is private property, that it is held under a lease of approved conditions, and of at least five years’ duration.

(3) All ranges shall be available for the Citizen Forces in the locality, and such Citizen Forces shall be permitted to use the range at such time as may be arranged between the committee of the Club and the officer commanding the local forces.

(4) That the grant for the construction of a rifle range under (a)having been determined and allotted, and the range having been constructed and opened for rifle practice, no further claim under this heading will be allowed except in the case of Regulation 540a.

(f) For reconstruction, alteration, or repair of Rifle Ranges—

(1) The amount of the grant for the reconstruction, alteration, or repair of a rifle range which is situated on private property will depend upon the tenure held by the Commonwealth over the rifle range site on such property.

(2) A Club having received the maximum grant of £75 for the reconstruction, alteration, or repair of its range, shall not be entitled, except under very exceptional circumstances, and on the approval of the Governor-General, to any further grant.

(3) The reconstruction, alteration, or repair need not necessarily be carried out in any one year, but may extend over any period; provided, however, that the maximum grant shall not exceed £75, except as provided for in the sub-paragraph next preceding.

(g)In the case of a range which has been constructed by a Rifle Club, and which is used by a Military Unit, the same conditions will apply with reference to repairs and maintenance that govern such expenditure on military ranges. No money will be paid to a Rifle Club as rent or maintenance in consideration of its range being used by a Military Unit.

(h) No grant will be paid towards the establishment of branch ranges in connexion with any Club except with the approval of the Minister.

(i)No claim for any work carried out on a rifle range without proper authority will be recognised.

District Union Ranges.

(k)Where for the convenience of the different Clubs allotted to any District Rifle Club Union the Rifle Club range selected to be the District Union rifle range requires construction, reconstruction, alteration, or enlargement, a sum of money (in equal proportions from each Club) from the unexpended balance of the grant, as provided for in Regulation 540 (c) lying to the credit of the various Clubs allotted to such District Rifle Club Union may, with the consent of the District Commandant, be expended upon such construction, reconstruction, alteration, or enlargement of the District Union rifle range; provided, however, if the unexpended balance of any Club is insufficient to meet its quota of the expenditure, the additional amount required shall be borne by the remaining Clubs in such proportion as may be determined by the District Commandant. A debit of all such sums shall be made by the Supervisor of Rifle Clubs against the amount of the grant for each Rifle Club concerned.

 

Grants-—Miniature Rifle Range.

540a. (1) Any Rifle Club which establishes a miniature rifle range may receive a grant towards its construction, subject to provision being made by Parliament, and provided that such grant shall not exceed £30 of any unexpended balance of the grant for the construction of its main range as laid down in Regulation 540 (a). If the unexpended balance is less than £30, then only such balance shall be allowed.

(2) Any Rifle Club having no main range of its own, and which establishes a miniature rifle range, may, subject to provision being made by Parliament, receive a grant not exceeding £30 towards the construction thereof.

(3) A Rifle Club which has constructed a miniature rifle range under these Regulations may allow any Miniature Rifle Club or Clubs which have affiliated with the Miniature Rifle Association of the Military District in which they are situated to practise and hold competitions on its miniature range on such terms and conditions as may be fixed by the by-laws of the Rifle Club concerned.

Return of grants during the year.

540b. The District Commandant will forward to Head-Quarters by the 31st July in each year, a return showing the amounts expended under Regulation 540 during the preceding financial year. The return will be prepared by the Supervisor of Rifle Clubs, and checked by the District Paymaster.

Inspection of Rifle Ranges.

541. An officer or other qualified person may be deputed to inspect as to the suitability of any site which may be proposed for a new rifle range, or to inspect any completed range, and report thereon as to its safety for rifle practice.

Rifle practice shall not be carried out on any new or reconstructed rifle range until the issue of authority by the District Commandant for the use of such new or reconstructed rifle range.

Military Rifle Ranges available to Clubs.

542. Rifle ranges which are used by any of the Military or Naval Units will be available for the Rifle Clubs in the locality; but as these ranges are under the charge of the officers commanding the local units, Rifle Clubs will only be permitted to use them at such times as may be arranged by the responsible officers.

Ranges to be retained after disbandment.

542a. In the event of the disbandment of a Rifle Club holding a rifle range site under permissive occupancy from a State Government, and it is desired to retain the range for possible future requirements, such site is to be retained on the district register as an existing range, and Head-Quarters notified accordingly; the targets and other Government property, however, to be available for removal to any other range as may be deemed advisable.

Accidents on Rifle Ranges.

543. If any accident should happen to a marker or to any other person while practice is proceeding on the rifle range, the same must be reported in writing at once by the Captain of the Club to the Supervisor of Rifle Clubs, who will be responsible that the matter is at once brought under the notice of the Commandant.

 

Musketry certificates and badges.

544. Every active member classified as a marksman shall be entitled to receive either a certificate or a marksman’s badge for the year in which he becomes a marksman, but such certificates or badges will only be issued on the request of the Captain of the Club, who will state when forwarding the Annual Musketry Return what marksmen’s badges or certificates will be required. The best shot of the whole of the Rifle Clubs in each Military District, and the best shot of each Rifle Club District in each Military District, shall receive, and be entitled to wear, a badge similar to that worn by the best shot in a regiment and company respectively.

Annual and Mobilization returns.

545. On or before the 15th July in every year, the Captain of each Club shall prepare and forward a return, which shall contain a statutory declaration by him as to its correctness, showing—

The names of all active members of the Club on the 30th June who performed the course of musketry during the year.

Printed forms for the returns will be supplied. No free ammunition will be issued to any Club from which this return and the mobilization return have not been received.

Instruction in drill.

546. In order to afford opportunities to members to undergo instruction in drill, courses of instruction will be carried out from time to time in such localities and at such centres as may be arranged byDistrict Commandants. Attendance at these courses of drill will, however, be voluntary on the part of members.

Members may be attached to militia units for instruct on.

547. Any member who so desires may, on the recommendation of the Captain of a Club, and with the approval of the District Commandant, be attached temporarily to any corps of the Defence Force for purposes of instruction. While under instruction, members of Rifle Clubs shall be subject to the same discipline as that imposed upon the members of the corps to which they are temporarily attached.

Efficiency grant

548. An efficiency grant of 5s., subject to the necessary provision being made by Parliament, will be made each year for every active member of a Rifle Club who fulfils the prescribed conditions and is classified as “efficient” on the 30th June of any year for services performed during the twelve months immediately preceding.

And an additional £1 for every Cable Guard member.

548a. Where the financial year has closed, and a Rifle Club has not received its efficiency grant, the reason being neglect on the part of the Rifle Club concerned to comply with instructions issued, or through delay on its part in furnishing returns, no application for payment of such efficiency grant will be entertained.

Disbursement of efficiency grant.

549. The following are the services upon which the grant made under Regulation 548 may be expended:—

(a)Payment of markers for musketry course and any other necessary expenditure in connexion with the musketry course.

(b)Maintenance and repair of rifle ranges and accessories.

(c) Stationery and postage.

(d)General expenses in connexion with the interior economy of the Club.

(e) Affiliation fees of District Rifle Club Unions.

(f) Other expenditure that may be approved by the District Commandant.

Efficiency grants the property of the Club.

550. Efficiency grants are not to be considered the property of, and cannot be claimed by, any individual, but will be handed over to the Captain of the Club for the purposes of meeting the expenses mentioned in Regulation 549, except in the case of the £1 efficiency grant earned by Cable Guard members.

Efficiency grants—banking arrangements.

551. The efficiency grant, as soon as it is received from the District Paymaster, will be paid into a bank by the Captain of the Club to the joint account of the Captain and treasurer or secretary of the Club, and will be kept distinct from any private account. A cash-book will be kept, in which will be recorded all sums received and each item of expenditure on the service specified in Regulation 549. Receipts for all payments shall be obtained, but in respect to amounts not exceeding 5s., a certificate signed by the Captain and secretary of the Club that the amount has actually been paid for the purpose stated may be accepted instead. In respect to moneys to be received from the District Paymaster as repayments, receipts from principals must be furnished.

Efficiency grants—accounts.

552. The accounts will be balanced on the 30th June of each year, and a statement on the authorized form will be prepared and signed by the Captain and treasurer or secretary of the Club, and will be forwarded to the Supervisor of Rifle Clubs as soon after that date as practicable, but not later than the 30th September. This statement will show the receipts from the Government during the year, and the full expenditure on the authorized services mentioned in Regulation 549.

Railway travelling.

553. (1) District Commandants will submit to Head-Quarters for approval their recommendations in regard to rules for railway travelling for members of Rifle Clubs within their Military District. These rules should be framed to bring within the amount allotted the probable travelling that may be required, and should cover—

(a)Free travelling by rail to rifle practice;

(b) Free travelling by rail, steamer, and coach to rifle competitions;

(c) Half-fare travelling by rail to rifle competitions.

(2) Before submitting these recommendations District Commandants will consult the Railway Department in their district, and ascertain that they are acceptable.

(3) When approved by Head-Quarters, District Commandants will cause a circular embodying these rules to be issued to all Captains of Rifle Clubs within their Military District, and this circular should state that no concession whatever will be allowed to non-efficient members in regard to railway, steamer, and coach travelling.

Uniform clothing.

554. A pattern of simple and inexpensive uniform clothing has been approved, hut the wearing of same by members of Rifle Clubs shall be optional, except in the case of members of a Cable Guard, who shall be provided with one suit triennially, which shall consist of—

1 Hat

1 Jacket Khaki.

1 pair Trousers

Defence Act as a guide in all matters not specially dealt with.

554a. The Defence Act and all Commonwealth Military Regulations will be taken generally as a guide in all matters not specially dealt with in the regulations governing Rifle Club Reserves.

Compulsory retirement.

554b. Members of Rifle Clubs shall retire as active members upon reaching the age of 65 years.

Standard rules.

555. The following shall be the standard rules of Rifle Clubs referred to in Regulation 530:—

Rules of the.................................... Rifle Club.

(1)This Club shall be known as the Rifle Club.

(2) On payment of such entrance fee and annual subscription as may be fixed by the by-laws, any person eligible under the Regulations for membership shall be enrolled as such on being proposed by two members, unless a request is made in writing by the person desirous of being enrolled for a special meeting of the Club to deal with the proposal, when it will be settled by a majority of those members present at the meeting. This rule does not apply to cases of transfer under Regulation 523.

(3) Life members may be enrolled on payment of a donation to be fixed by the by-laws.

(4) All matters in connexion with a Club shall be managed by the Committee as provided for in Regulation 527, three to form a quorum. The decisions given by a Committee in connexion with the business of a Club shall be final, provided, however, that the Club may, at a general meeting thereof, by a majority vote, request the Captain to refer any decision of the Committee to the District Commandant, who shall have the right to review any such decision.

(5) The members of the Committee shall be elected at the annual meeting of the Club, which shall be held on such date as may be fixed by the by-laws.

(6) Any member of the Committee being absent without leave for three consecutive meetings of the Committee shall be liable, at the discretion of the Committee, to have his seat declared vacant.

(7) Any vacancy in the Committee, caused either by resignation or enforced retirement under Rule 6, may be filled up by the Committee.

(8) All meetings of the Committee shall be convened by the Secretary; but should he fail to do so within seven days after receiving a requisition signed by two members of the Committee, any two such members may themselves convene a meeting of the Committee.

(9) No meeting of the Committee shall be held to have been duly convened unless a written or printed notice be-forwarded to each member thereof at least twenty-four hours prior to such meeting.

(10) The annual meeting of the Club for the election of office-bearers shall be convened by notice by post to each member, and not less than seven days’ notice shall be given of such meeting.

(11) A balance-sheet, duly audited by two members duly appointed at the preceding annual meeting, shall be laid before the members at every annual meeting.

Should a vacancy or vacancies occur among the auditors, the Committee shall have power to fill the position.

(12) The Captain shall preside at all Committee and general meetings at which he is present.

In his absence, the members present may elect a chairman for any meeting.

(13) The Captain, or a deputy appointed by him, will conduct all correspondence with the Supervisor of Rifle Clubs.

(14) The Secretary shall keep minutes of all general meetings of members, and of meetings of the Committee, and shall conduct all correspondence ordered by the Captain or the Committee, and he may, if duly authorized by the Captain, act as his deputy.

(15) The subscription of every member shall become due on such date as may be fixed by the by-laws, and no one shall be entitled to the privileges of the Club as defined by the by-laws until his subscription be paid; provided, however, that no member can by such by-laws be deprived, for non-payment of subscriptions, of any right given by the Regulations or instructions.

(16) No member, by reason of his having been such, shall have any estate or interest in the property of the Club other than the right to use the Club property at the rifle ranges, in accordance with the resolutions or decisions of the Committee.

(17) A general meeting of the Club shall be called at any time by the Secretary on receiving a requisition signed by so many members as may be prescribed by the by-laws; the time and object of such general meeting to be notified by post to each member one week previous to such meeting.

(18) Any member may be expelled from the Club against whom a vote for his expulsion shall have been carried by a majority of two-thirds of the members present at a meeting specially called to consider the case, due notice of which meeting has been given to the member concerned. The expulsion of any member shall be at once notified to the Supervisor of Rifle Clubs of the Military District, with a report of the circumstances, and shall be subject to the approval of the District Commandant.

(19) The practice days of the Club shall be fixed by the by-laws, but the Committee may, on giving due notice to every member, alter the time as they may think necessary, or appoint such other days in addition to the above as may appear expedient.

(20) After providing for the necessary expenses of the Club, the Committee may expend the balance of any moneys in granting prizes to its members, the rifle matches at which such prizes are to be competed for being duly notified by advertisement.

(21) In addition to the annual subscription, the Committee shall have power to exact such entrance fee as may be prescribed by the by-laws from every member who shall compete in a match for prizes, provided always that the entrance fees be devoted to the prize list.

(22) The rules for the matches and Club practices, the distances, the conditions of firing, the nature and value of the prizes, and all other details, shall be decided by the Committee.

(23) The Committee shall have power to frame such by-laws as may from time to time be necessary for carrying on the business of the Club; such by-laws shall, however, be subject to approval of the Club at a general meeting thereof, and shall be confirmed by the District Commandant.

The by-laws shall not be altered or added to except by a special resolution passed at a general meeting of the Club, and any alteration or addition shall be subject to confirmation by the District Commandant.

(24) An active member of the Club who has been returned as efficient at least six times in the annual return of the Club may, on his resignation, become an honorary member of the Club without payment of any annual subscription, provided that a resolution to this effect is passed at a general meeting of the members of the Club convened for this purpose.

(25) The conditions and Regulations of State Rifle Associations shall generally be observed in the matches and practices of the Club.

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