HERITAGE The Christ’s College Rifles
Volunteer Forces in New Zealand were based on the British tradition, particularly those of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, when military service was combined with civilian life. They were established in New Zealand in the 1840s, mainly in the North Island, until the 1845 Militia Ordinance effectively disbanded them in favour of what was essentially conscription. i The Militia Act of 1858 ii allowed for volunteer groups with regulations issued by each militia district, but it was not until the Volunteer Act of 1865 iii that a more formal and national framework was established. What led to the establishment of the Christ’s College Rifles in late 1882 is nowhere explicitly stated. It is likely it was the consequence of the formation of the Christ’s College Cadets in 1881 and coincidentally linked to the New Volunteer Regulations which the Lyttelton Times reported as having largely found favour within the local area. iv These regulations provided for the internal admission of members and the election of officers, while the Government provided the corps with their basic equipment and an annual grant based on those members who undertook the required amount of training. Each corps provided their own uniform. v The Christ’s College Rifles was officially gazetted on 1 January
1883. Following notification from the Defence Department that the recommendations that Henry Alan Scott (150), James Crosby Martin (376) and Henry Cotterill (212) be appointed captain, lieutenant and sub lieutenant respectively, the Christ’s College Rifles were, with the City Guards, Christchurch Rifles, Artillery and the Lyttelton Navals, part of a group of 245 who were sworn in under the new regulations. vi The Christ’s College Sports Register vii adds the following names to the initial corps: sergeants Fulbert Astley Archer (426), Robert Luke Higgins (637), Frank Nelson Robinson (484), and William Varnham Millton (362); corporals John Frederick Wachsmann (287), William Edward Mellish (557), George Hanmer (443), and William Alexander Day (409); and bugler Arthur James Merton (383). There were also 49 privates. viii Although it was planned that members would only be Old Boys of College, this was soon expanded to members elected by ballot from outside that network. Each corps was an integral part of its local community. Originally a volunteer was concerned with a desire to defend families, neighbours and property, but as the nineteenth century progressed other considerations became more important. They provided pomp and ceremony at events in their smart uniforms, dealt with public disorder and encouraged recreation at military and non- military events. Membership could also prove to be useful for social connections and economic advancement.
The drill shed on the corner of Cashel and Montreal Streets was the centre of most of the volunteer activity. It was here that the corps gathered with other volunteer units for inspection and training and before setting off for Church Parades in the College Chapel. ix The establishment of a larger orderly room there was a priority, so “on the time-honoured principle that Heaven helps those who help themselves” x the corps decided to sell seats at the Oddfellows Hall for a production of Oliver Goldsmith’s She Stoops to Conquer . £45 was added to the coffers, made possible by actors from the corps and family and friends. On 31 October 1883 The Press commented, “The Christ’s College Rifle Corps are certainly the premier corps of the garrison town in one respect – the persistency with which they invite the amiable public to aid them in replenishing their treasury.” The newspaper was of course referring to the dramatic entertainment, and it then goes on to report on the Military and Athletic Sports the corps organised at Lancaster Park. They had already taken part in military sports organised xi by the E Battery of Artillery at the drill shed, so they knew what would draw the crowds. Initially planned for 29 September 1883, it was postponed until 17 October. The mayor proclaimed a half holiday and many mercantile and legal firms, and insurance companies closed at 11am to allow their staff to attend. xii
Christ’s College Canterbury
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