Inaugural Meeting of Notts RA

Inaugural meeting of the Nottinghamshire Rifle Association

As a result of the advertisement in March a number of people met at the Mechanics Institute on Wednesday, 3rd April, to hear the details of the proposals to create the Nottinghamshire Rifle Association. The Nottinghamshire Guardian reporter was apparently not impressed by the numbers present; but does give a list of those he recognised.

The Chairman, the Rt. Hon. J.E. Denison, outlined the purpose of the meeting and referred to the formation of county based volunteer corps some eighteen months previously, which now comprised of about 150,000 men. He also recalled the formation of the National Rifle Association and its first prize meeting at Wimbledon opened by H.M. Queen Victoria.

Mr W.H. Barrow proposed the motion to form the Nottinghamshire Rifle Association. He emphasised his concern at the rising cost of the Army and the desirability of having a trained volunteer force ready for action when needed to deter the aggressor. The volunteers needed the latest weapons and training in their use. The Association would be providing the opportunities for gaining shooting skills through competition. Mr R. Milward seconded the motion "That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable to promote the practice of rifle shooting as one of the most important modes of extending and rendering permanent the volunteer in this county, and that in order to carry out this resolution, an association be formed in connection with the National Rifle Association, to be called the Nottinghamshire Rifle Association." This was carried.

Mr F.N. Norton then spoke to propose a second motion to put into action the first motion. He drew comparisons with the volunteer movements in Spain and Germany that had assisted in expelling the French invader from those countries, though these movements had not been permanent. He contrasted the security in Switzerland where their volunteers had become a permanent force. keeping that country free of invaders. The second motion was: "The Association shall consist of all annual subscribers of 10s. and upwards, and all donors of £5 and upwards. These may have the privilege of becoming members of the National Rifle Association by increasing their annual subscriptions of from 10s. to 20s., half of which will be paid to the National Association; or by doubling the donation, half of which will be applied in the same manner. Donors of not less than £20 for prizes in any one year at the County Meetings will be enrolled as members.". The Rev. J.D. Becher seconded the motion which was carried unanimously.

Col. Holden proposed and Major Wright seconded a further motion "That the Lord Lieutenant of the county be requested to be president of the association, and that the officers of the association shall consist of a president, twelve vice-presidents, council, three trustees, and treasurer." This too was agreed.

A further proposal putting names to the officers was made by Capt. Burnaby and seconded by Capt. Paget "That the Vice-Presidents of the Association should for the present consist of the Hon. Chairman, H.B. Sherbrook, Esq., F.N. Norton, Esq., Col. Holden, and W.H. Barrow, Esq., M.P., with power to add to their number.". This was also carried.

The Chairman then called the meeting to a conclusion as all the business required had been completed. He urged those present to do their best to add to the number of members. The meeting closed and various persons present gave donations and annual subscriptions to the newly formed Association.

NOTTS. RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

On Wednesday afternoon, at one o'clock, a public meeting to decide upon the formation of a Rifle Association for the County of Notts., in conjunction with the National Association, was held in the large room of the Mechanics' Institution. There was not a very large attendance, amongst the gentlemen present we noticed the Rt. Hon. J.E. Denison (in the chair), W.H. Barrow, Esq., M.P., Captain Paget, Captain Smith, Captain Parsons, Hon. And Rev. — Vernon, Fletcher Norton Norton, Esq., Rev. J.D. Becher, T.F.A. Burnaby, Esq., R. Milward, Esq., J. Brewster, Esq., Rev. J.M. Valpy, Captain Starey, Captain Wilson, Major Wright, Colonel Holden, Mr. R. Allen, Mr. Allcock, W. Enfield, Esq., Dr. Lory Marsh, Captain Wightman, Lieutenant Pratt, Mr. Brookhouse, Mr. Ball, Mr. G. Beaumont, junr., Mr. E. Munk, Mr. Burnaby, Captain Pattison, Dr. Storer, H.P. Sherbrooke, Esq., Dr. Wilson, and Captain Burnaby.

The Hon. CHAIRMAN said they were met for the purpose of forming a Rifle Association for the county and the county of the town of Nottingham. They were not assembled in very large numbers, but many greater things had sprung from small beginnings, and he hoped that that might be the case in the present instant; indeed it was not more than a year and a half ago since meetings were held in different parts of the country for the purpose of establishing rifle corps, and yet in that short space of time the stripling had grown into a giant, and, as they were aware, the rifle corps in this country now numbered about 150,000 men, and he would ask did any gentleman believe and feel that great strength and security had not been given to this country by these 150,000 men. (Applause.) They were not however called together to speak of what had been done in the past, the importance of which had been universally recognised: but the question for them to consider was what could be done to give permanence, and give life and force to the movement of the volunteers, and as had been the case in other counties it had been thought desirable that an Association for this county should be formed. They were aware that the Central Association with the same object in view, had been formed in London, and it was inaugurated last year by Her Majesty in person. The granting of prizes, and the shooting at Wimbledon was the commencement of the organization. The same thing had been done in several counties, and the object of this Association was to invite the county to come forward and assist the volunteer movement by furnishing funds from which prizes could be given for competition from local corps. The members who also subscribed would themselves become members of the Central Association, and would be empowered to compete for the Central prizes. The gentlemen assembled would very well know by their experience in this town that if things were confined within narrow limits — for instance, such a case as the Nottingham Cricket Club, very soon would have comparatively languished, if men had not thought proper to prepare themselves for a struggle against eleven men of Kent or Sussex, and probably eleven of All England. It was this that gave strength to the arm and precision to the eye. It was for this purpose that an Association of the character under discussion was desirable. He did not consider it necessary to detail them further by speaking on the matter. It was intended that certain resolutions should be proposed for adoption, and he trusted that as the volunteers gave their personal services, and submitted to considerable sacrifices for the interest of their country, that those either through age or other occupations were unable to give their personal services, would feel that they could materially contribute to the success of the movement by granting pecuniary assistance. He thought that those who gave their personal services should not be required to contribute towards the funds for the object they had in contemplation. (Hear, hear) For his own part he strongly felt the importance of the movement, and had great pleasure in taking part in the operations of that day.

Mr. W.H. Barrow said he was only sorry that the resolution he had been requested to move had not fallen into better hands to propose its adoption; but he must say that no person could feel greater pleasure than he did in being instrumental in forwarding the movement. He had been for the greater part of his life more or less connected with volunteer movements in this county. He was frequently hearing complaints, as well as his friend, the Hon. Chairman, doubtless would, of the enormous expense of the armaments, and the enormous amount of taxation to which the country was subjected: and he had just heard one man complaining exceedingly that the taxation amounted to £70,000,000. He would be very sorry to see those millions increase by the necessity of increasing the army, and, as he had before said, he was extremely glad to see the volunteer movement gaining strength throughout the country. In consequence of his age he regretted that he was unable to assist the movement by offering his personal services, but by other means he would assist them as much as possible. He was sure that every gentleman present would agree with him that the best way to preserve peace would be to show to other countries that they were prepared to resist aggression, from whatever country the aggressors might come. (Applause) It was with these feelings, and he was certain these feelings were shared by all those whom he had the honour of addressing. That he considered it would be unnecessary to say much more in recommendation of the resolution he was about to propose. The main object of the resolution was to promote the practice of rifle shooting; and it was his personal opinion that then great object of the rifle corps was to make men perfectly acquainted with the weapon placed in their hands. Under present circumstances, and considering the recent improvements in the science and art of war, they knew perfectly well it would be idle to attempt to carry on a war with the weapons which their ancestors used, either as regarded the old archery practice, or what was subsequently used, and called "Brown Bess". Brown Bess had been superannuated for a considerable length of time. He had a great desire that the volunteers of this county should become thoroughly acquainted with the weapon they used, and, therefore, he considered that the greater portion of their time should be devoted to make themselves masters of the weapon with which they fought. For that purpose, it was desirable that every corps in the county should compete with each other, for the purpose of communicating the knowledge they had gained. He therefore anticipated that there would be no objection to the proposition he was about to make – that an association be formed in this county, as it had been in many other counties, and to assist by all possible means to make the volunteer movement a permanent and lasting defence of the country. Instead of our having to trust to wooden walls or even to those fortifications for which so many millions were to be expended. His belief was that those fortifications ought to be found in the strong arms and wills of the inhabitants of the country, rather than in the stone walls which were so much subject to destruction. He therefore recommended the following motion to their careful consideration, and was only sorry he could not enforce it in stronger language:- "That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable to promote the practice of rifle shooting as one of the most important modes of extending and rendering permanent the volunteer in this county, and that in order to carry out this resolution, an association be formed in connection with the National Rifle Association, to be called the Nottinghamshire Rifle Association."

Mr. R. Millward cordially seconded the motion. It was carried.

Mr. F.N. Morton said he had the honour to propose the second resolution, which was intended to carry out the object proposed in the motion just carried. He believed it would be needless for him to extend his observations to any great length on the utility and excellence of the volunteer movement. He was old enough to remember a most important movement of this description at the close of the great war in France. The volunteers at that time, he believed, came out to the number of 300,000 men, to support the liberties and constitution of this country against any attempt at invasion; and there could be no doubt that the display of force and patriotism which was made at that moment tended very much to arrest any intention of invading this country at that time. It was not thought necessary on that occasion to take measures in order to secure the permanency of the movement, and the volunteers had consequently dispersed and returned to their usual civil avocations. At this time the volunteers of England had come forward with the same spirit, and were ready at any moment to meet perils and dangers for their country's safety. But they had gained experience since the last volunteer movement; and when they saw such large standing armies upon the Continent, and large fleets, it became necessary to render the present movement permanent – and that was the object for which they were assembled on that day. They had one illustrious volunteer among them, who, notwithstanding his arduous duties, had come forward to assist in promoting the success of the movement. (Applause) If they would look round Europe they would see the effect of such movements in almost every part of it. They would see that in the early wars of Spain, the Spanish volunteers, under the name of Guerilla, gave the most important assistance to the Duke of Wellington, and assisted in expelling the French from their country. They would see also the Germans came forward in the same manner to expel the French from their country; but in neither of these countries was ever an attempt made to make the movement permanent. There was only one instance in Europe – one country – where permanence was resorted to, and that was in the case of Switzerland. During the whole of its history that country had been free, and such an example ought to induce the English people to determine in supporting this association. Under these circumstances he was sure they would uphold him in saying nothing could be more useful and more patriotic than to give permanence to this patriotic movement. He had, therefore, great pleasure in moving "The Association shall consist of all annual subscribers of 10s. and upwards, and all donors of £5 and upwards. These may have the privilege of becoming members of the National Rifle Association by increasing their annual subscriptions of from 10s. to 20s., half of which will be paid to the National Association; or by doubling the donation, half of which will be applied in the same manner. Donors of not less than £20 for prizes in any one year at the County Meetings will be enrolled as members."

The Rev. J.D. BECHER said he felt convinced he was not acting contrary in seconding the motion. He had to preach peace to his parishioners, and he was quite sure they were best prepared to secure peace so long as they were prepared for war. He would take that opportunity whilst the representatives of the county were present to suggest that if they would press upon Government the necessity of paying the drill sergeants to the various corps in the country, it would tend much to strengthen the movement. The volunteers were almost entirely composed of working men, and the cost of time and money entailed upon them was very great. He therefore considered if they could have the cost of the drill sergeants defrayed by government it would give great help to the movement, and do much to add to the permanence of the corps.

The motion was then put to the meeting, and carried unanimously.

Col. HOLDEN said before reading the resolution, which had been placed in his hands, he had a few observations to make. Both of his friends, the movers of the previous resolutions, had observed that England was not fond of a standing army, but England was fond of being protected, and they could not be protected without it costing something. He would ask them whether it was fair and honourable on their part to require the volunteers to do all and to pay all. The volunteers had done their duty most manfully, and he thanked them from his heart for it. The whole burthen had been put upon them, and it was scarcely fair to ask them to defray the whole cost. But a critical time, he was convinced, had now arrived; and he coincided with the hon. Chairman, that those who could not take an active part in the duties, must come forward in that very material point - £.s.d. The gentlemen who had hitherto been bearing all the burden must be assisted, and he trusted something would be done in this respect at this meeting. The resolution he had to move was one to which all would agree, and he trusted that the gentlemen to whom it alluded, would accede to the request. It was to the effect, "That the Lord Lieutenant of the county be requested to be president of the association, and that the officers of the association shall consist of a president, twelve vice-presidents, council, three trustees, and treasurer." There was one point to which previous speakers had alluded, and that was with reference to being well acquainted with the weapon which the volunteers were called upon to use. Those remarks, however, he considered did not apply to this county, for he believed the volunteers of Notts. had taken great care to be well prepared. It was very important that they should be well drilled in it; but still they might have a very good shot and a very bad soldier. He believed the volunteers of Notts. had well attended to their drill, and they had now to become as good shots as they could.

Major Wright observed that he most cordially coincided in all that the last speaker had advanced, and he had great pleasure in seconding the resolution moved by him. The great points in the volunteer service were the drill and accuracy in shooting, and the association would do much to further these requirements.

Capt. Burnaby said he had to propose, "That the Vice-Presidents of the Association should for the present consist of the Hon. Chairman, H.B. Sherbrook, Esq., F.N. Norton, Esq., Col. Holden, and W.H. Barrow, Esq., M.P., with power to add to their number." He (Mr. Burnaby) had listened with great pleasure to the remarks of Colonel Holden upon drill. He had carried out the principle, and was happy to have it confirmed by an old officer. He might just observe that the society might be extended to something more beneficial than the giving of prizes, and that was, if it could be devoted to the instruction in musketry, and thus make the whole corps practically good shots.

The motion was seconded by Capt. Paget and carried.

Mr. T.F.A. Burnaby moved, "That the Council consist of the Colonels and Majors of the corps, and Commanders of company's and sub-divisions, with power to add to their number, and that they be empowered to draw up a code of laws and obtain members and donations." He was sure every gentlemen present would agree with him in saying that it was very desirable the association should consist of a very large number of gentlemen of this county, and that a very large fund would be available for its efficient working. It must be manifest to all that it could not be properly worked without those funds. The movement in Notts. had begun well, and he could not doubt but that it would end well in forming an association in connection with the National Association of this country. He had already heard of several corps being greatly in want of money; he therefore trusted that gentlemen present would seriously consider the remarks made by Col. Holden, and that those who were not able to join as efficient members of the corps, would feel themselves bound to subscribe handsomely in lieu of bodily services.

The Rev. J.M. Valpy had pleasure in seconding the motion. He did not think as Mr. Becher had well remarked, that any clergyman was stepping out of his place in supporting such a resolution. He considered it the cause of God, because it was the cause of peace. He wished it was in his power to give liberally to the cause, and was thankful for the opportunity of bearing his testimony to the essential value of the association.

The motion having been put to the meeting and carried, the Hon. CHAIRMAN observed that the object for which the meeting had been called having been so far concluded, he took the liberty of requesting the gentlemen present, as they departed in their different directions, to persevere in the very important object of adding to the members.

A vote of thanks to the Hon. Chairman, upon the motion of Dr. Storer, seconded by Mr. F.N. Norton, was then passed, and the Hon. Chairman briefly returned thanks. He believed he might call himself an honorary volunteer to several corps, but he could not say he had a greater approximation to active service than that. He felt confident that although this association was begun with small beginnings, it would go on and prosper. They might depend upon it, the country entirely and cordially appreciated the services of those gentlemen who had given their services to the country, and he was convinced that all the assistance which might be wanting would be liberally afforded the society to promote its success.

The meeting then dissolved.

The following donations were announced at the conclusion of the meeting:- The Hon. Chairman, donation of £25 with an annual subscription of £5; W.H. Barrow, Esq., M.P., donation of £20, with an annual subscription of £5; F.N. Norton, Esq., donation of £20, with annual subscription of £5.

Transcript from Nottinghamshire Guardian Thursday 04/04/1861 p5
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