Australian Rifle Club Regulations

STATUTORY RULES

1921. No. 88.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE DEFENCE ACT 1903-1918.

I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1918, to come into operation forthwith.

Dated this twenty-first day of April, 1921.

FORSTER,

Governor-General.

By His Excellency’s Command,

G. F. PEARCE,

Minister of State for Defence.

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REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE FORMATION CONTROL, AND MANAGEMENT OF RIFLE CLUBS AND RIFLE ASSOCIATIONS.

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DIVISION 1.—RIFLE CLUBS.

1. The Australian Rifle Clubs shall consist of such Rifle Clubs and Cable Guards as are established under the provisions of these Regulations.

Establishment of Rifle Clubs.

2. Rifle Clubs and Cable Guards may be established in such localities as are authorized by the Governor-General, and all Rifle Clubs and Cable Guards formed prior to the commencement of these Regulations, in accordance with the Australian Military Regulations, shall be deemed to be Rifle Clubs duly established under these Regulations.

Control of Rifle Clubs.

3. The Australian Rifle Clubs shall be under the control of the Secretary for Defence.

Duties of Director of R.A. and Clubs.

4. The Director of Rifle Associations and Rifle Clubs will be responsible to the Secretary for Defence for the supervision and control of all matters relating to—

(a) The efficiency of the Rifle Clubs in any training and musketry that may be authorized.

(b) The issue of arms, ammunition, equipment, and other stores to Rifle Clubs.

(c) The construction, reconstruction, maintenance, repair, and equipment of Rifle Club Ranges.

(d) Questions affecting supervisors of Rifle Clubs and Staffs, Inspectors of Rifle Ranges, Range Clerks, Range Foremen, and Staffs of Military Ranges.

(e) Matters relating to the acquisition of land in connexion with Rifle Club Ranges, including—

the adjustment of leases and the acquisition of private property, and under arrangements with the Department of Home and Territories, the permissive occupancy of Crown lands.

(f) The Commonwealth Council of Rifle Associations.

(g) State Rifle Associations.

(h) District Rifle Club Unions.

(i) Proposals for distribution of such grants to Associations and Unions as may be provided.

(k) The Rules of the Commonwealth Council, State Rifle Associations, District Rifle Club Unions.

(l) Annual reports of State Rifle Associations.

(m) Rules for Miniature Rifle Associations and Clubs.

Duties of Supervisor of Rifle Clubs.

5. The senior clerk of the Rifle Club’s office at the Head-Quarters of the District Base Commandant will be designated the “Supervisor of Rifle Clubs” for the Military District. He shall be responsible, under the direction of the Director of Rifle Associations and Clubs, for the general supervision of Rifle Clubs placed under his control. The Supervisor of Rifle Clubs may communicate direct with the Director of Rifle Associations and Clubs upon all subjects not required to be referred to the District Base Commandant. The Supervisor of Rifle Clubs shall be responsible that the Regulations governing Rifle Clubs are observed, and that all orders and directions issued from time to time in connexion with Rifle Associations, Rifle Club Unions, Miniature Rifle Clubs and Unions, and Rifle Clubs are obeyed.

Assistance for Supervisor.

6. The Supervisor of Rifle Clubs will be assisted by a staff. In the absence of the Supervisor, the senior member of the staff shall perform the duties of the Supervisor.

7. The Office of the Supervisor and his staff shall be established at the head-quarters of the District Base Commandant, who shall exercise a general control over that office and render any necessary assistance to the Director.

Duties of Supervisor.

8. The Supervisor of Rifle Clubs shall be personally responsible for—

(a) the performance of such duties as are allotted to him by the Director of Rifle Associations and Clubs;

(b) the issue of instructions to Rifle Clubs in respect of musketry, the checking of returns and compilation of the results of any authorized annual course of musketry or return of efficients;

(c) when classes of instruction are held at which the attendance of members of Rifle Clubs has been approved, the supply of necessary information and the notification of results to those concerned; and generally—

(d) the supply of information to persons desirous of forming Rifle Clubs and Miniature Rifle Clubs.

Application to form a Club.

9. Before any Rifle Club can be formed, an application on Form R.C. 3 shall be forwarded to the Supervisor of Rifle Clubs, The application, shall be signed by not less than thirty male persons of or ever the age of sixteen and under the age of sixty years, who are not liable for training under Part XII. of the Act, whether by reason of exemption or otherwise, and who are natural-born or naturalized British subjects, and are bonâ fide residents of the locality in which it is desired to form the club.

10. In special cases the Governor-General may authorize the formation of clubs in remote districts with a less number than thirty.

11. When forwarding form R.C. 3 with their recommendation, Supervisors of Rifle Clubs shall state—

(a) 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, countersigned, if possible, by an Inspector of Rifle Ranges, shall be submitted, certifying that the site selected for the 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.

(b) What expenditure will be necessary, and whether the grant under sub-regulation (1) of Regulation 46 is sufficient to enable a suitable range to be constructed.

(c) Whether sufficient provision has been made for the payment of the grant.

(d) What proportion of the cost of the construction of the range will be borne by the Club.

Composition of Rifle Clubs.

12. Rifle Clubs shall consist of—

(a) Active members, including those allotted to the Reserve Forces in Regulation 14.

(b) Honorary members.

Classification

13. (1) The following shall be active members:—

(a) Persons who have taken and subscribed the oath or affirmation prescribed by Regulation 16;

(b) Members of the Citizen Forces or Senior Cadets elected active members by a club,

and shall include those members attested as Cable Guards.

(2) British subjects may be elected as honorary members by the committee of the Club which they desire to join, but no honorary member shall have a voice in the management of a Club, and his name shall not be shown in any list of active members in respect of any claim for any privilege or concession allowed to active members.

(3) Officers of the Unattached List (Military Forces and Senior Cadets) and the Reserve of Officers, Officers holding honorary rank in the Australian Military Forces, Senior Cadet Officers, and members of Classes A and B of the Australian Army Reserve, who are elected as members, shall be entitled to all the privileges and concessions prescribed for active members.

Cable Guards.

14. (1) Cable Guards may be formed from active members of the Australian Rifle Clubs, and shall be composed of an approved number of active members of any Australian Rifle Clubs situated in localities or districts approved by the Military Board.

(2) Members of Rifle Clubs who are members of Cable Guards are allotted to the Military Reserve Forces, and are liable to be called out for War Service under the provisions of section 46 of the Defence Act.

(3) Members of Cable Guards when called out for War Service for the protection of Cable Stations, shall be paid as follows:—

Honorary Captain .. Militia rate of pay as Lieutenant.

If approved by the Adjutant-General—

(4) The Supervisor shall submit to the District Base Commandant, the names of those members of Cable Guards recommended for appointment as Honorary Captain, Sergeant, and Corporal for the approval of the Adjutant-General which will be conveyed to the District Base Commandant.

(5) Members of Cable Guards shall be entitled to all the privileges and concessions granted by these Regulations to other active members of Rifle Clubs. If more than 30 per cent. of the members of any Cable Guard are non-efficient after the expiration of twelve months from the date of its formation, that Cable Guard may be disbanded.

(6) The Officer Commanding a Cable Guard shall be granted honorary rank of Captain in the Australian Military Reserve Forces whilst holding that appointment, 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.

15. Any person desiring to become a member of a Rifle Club shall join the club whose recognised headquarters are situated nearest to his place of residence, but in a special case the Supervisor may grant authority for him to join another club. No person shall join a Rifle Club as an active member whilst he is a member of another Rifle Club.

Oath of allegiance.

16. (1) Every person, except as provided by Regulation 26, before being enrolled as an active member of a Rifle Club shall take and subscribe before an officer, a justice of the peace, or the Captain of the Club the oath or affirmation set forth hereunder:—

Oath.

I swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King as a member of the Australian Rifle Clubs, and that I will resist His Majesty’s enemies and cause His Majesty peace to be kept and maintained, and that I will in all matters appertaining to my service as a member of the Australian Rifle Clubs 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 Australian Rifle Clubs, 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 as a member of the Australian Rifle Clubs faithfully discharge my duty according to law.

(2) In the case of these members who undertake to serve in the Cable Guard, the words “Cable Guard” shall be inserted in brackets in the oath and affirmation immediately after the words “Australian Rifle Clubs.”

Qualification for membership.

17. Before a person is enrolled as an active member and permitted to take the oath or affirmation the Captain of the 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.”

Before a person is permitted to take the oath or affirmation, the Captain of the Club shall sign the following certificate on the Form on which the oath or affirmation to be subscribed is set out:—

“I, , do certify that appears to be within the age entered in 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 to be enrolled as an active member of the Australian Rifle Clubs.”

Enrolments subject to approval.

18. All enrolments shall be subject to the approval of the Supervisor.

Disbarment of Clubs.

19. If more than 30 per cent. of the active members on the roll of any Rifle Club are non-efficient at any time after the expiration of twelve months from the date of formation, the Club shall be disbanded, but in special circumstances the Director of Rifle Associations and Rifle Clubs may approve of the suspension of the operation of this Regulation in respect of any particular club for a period of twelve months.

Resignation.

20. 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 property must be returned in good order to the Captain of the Club at such place as he may appoint, or the value of the article or damage or deterioration shall be paid before the resignation shall be accepted.

Death or resignation of members to be notified.

21. The Captain of a Club shall at once forward to the Supervisor of Rifle Clubs in the District in which the Club is situate a notification of the death, absence exceeding three months from the district, or resignation of any member. The District Base Commandant shall be the “Commanding Officer” of members of Cable Guards within a Military District. Any member absent, except on leave obtained from the Supervisor, for a period exceeding three months shall be liable to be struck off the strength of the Club to which he belongs.

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

22. Except in time of war, any active member of a Rifle Club who fails to become efficient for two consecutive years shall be struck off the roll of the Club by the Supervisor, and shall be ineligible to rejoin a Rifle Club for a period of twelve months from the date of his having been struck off.

Transfers.

23. (1) 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 by the Supervisor.

(2) No transfer shall be refused upon the grounds that a member has not complied with any rules of the Club in respect of the annual subscription or other fees due to the Club.

Dismissal of members.

24. (1) The Supervisor shall bring to the notice of the District Base Commandant any breach of these Regulations by a member of a Rifle Club which would tend to bring discredit on Rifle Clubs, and the District Base Commandant shall have power after due inquiry to strike any such member off the roll of a Club.

(2) 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 the District Base Commandant may strike the member off the roll of a Club.

Orders—how communicated.

25. All orders and directions of the Secretary for Defence with respect to the administration of Rifle Clubs shall be communicated to the Supervisor by the Director.

Members of the Defence Force as active or honorary members.

26. A member of any branch of the Defence Force or Senior Cadets may be enrolled as an active or honorary member of a Rifle Club if elected as such by the club, and he shall not be required to take the oath or affirmation prescribed by Regulation 16.

27. 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.

28. In the interests of national safety a District Base Commandant, may at any time, with or without the consent of the members, remove from office any Captain or other office-bearer of a Rifle Club.

Correspondence and payments.

29. (1) Correspondence from Rifle Clubs shall be addressed to the Supervisor of Rifle Clubs.

(2) Payments are to be made by bank draft, cheque, post-office order, or postal note payable to the “Receive of Public Moneys.” Postage stamps in excess of five-pence are not to be used as portions of remittances.

30. (1) Captains of Rifle Clubs shall maintain order and discipline amongst their members at all rifle practices and club meetings, whether general or committee, and shall be responsible for the proper compliance with all orders and regulations. 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, and he shall be responsible that only sufficient ammunition for the practices fixed for the day is issued to each member, and that all ammunition remaining unexpended after each practice is returned. He may appoint any member of the Club to perform these duties as his deputy in his absence.

(2) At all times when members of Rifle Clubs are carrying out training or rifle practice under those 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 responsible for the maintenance of discipline and due compliance with these Regulations.

(3) 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 specified in paragraph (c) of Regulation 38 and whenever it may be called out for service.

Legal proceedings.

31. Per 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

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

Rifles issued on prepayment and on loan.

33. (1) Captains of Clubs may, on application, by supplied with rifles and spare parts for active members of their Club at the prices notified from time to time in Military Orders. All supplies required from ordnance Department are to the paid for before delivery.

(2) Rifles may be sold to active members of Rifle Clubs on a deferred payment system, on conditions approved by the Military Board and notified in Military Orders.

(3) Rifles may be issued on loan to Rifle Clubs on conditions approved by the Military Board and notified in Military Orders.

(4) 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

34. (1) Rifles shall 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 Supervisor.

(2) In cases of non-payment of any instalments due by any member, or of a breach of any condition of the agreement between the purchaser and the Supervisor, 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.

(3) 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.

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

C.6425.—2

Carriage of rifles.

36. (1) Rifles, ammunition, and accoutrements, or any other article supplied by the Government, either on purchase, on loan, or free issue, shall 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 articles 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 in a book the written receipt of the member to whom he issues it.

(2) 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 shall be borne by the Defence Department.

Classification—efficients and non-efficients.

37. Active members, including Cable Guard members, of Rifle Clubs shall be classified as “Efficient” or “Non-efficient” on the 30th June of each year, to be reckoned from the 1st of July in each year for the preceding twelve months.

Requirements for efficients.

38. 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 at such club practices under such conditions as may from time to time be approved by the Secretary for Defence, or has been attached to a Unit of the Militia Forces and has undergone the prescribed training with such Unit.

(b) Kept such arms and accoutrements as are in his possession clean and in good order, and produced them for inspection when required to do so.

(c) For Cable Guard members in addition to the requirements set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Regulation, 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 the requirements set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Regulation, will be required for classifying as efficients.

Musketry course—when not carried out.

39. In cases where a Club is prevented from carrying out the musketry course through its rifle range being temporarily closed, the Director may, after the 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. In the case of a range for a new Club being temporarily closed, a certain number of members, not exceeding thirty, may, with the approval of the Secretary for Defence, be classified as “efficient.”

Free issues of ammunition.

40. The following free issues of Mark VI. .303 ammunition may be granted to Rifle Clubs subject to the conditions laid down in Regulation 38—

(a) For each efficient active member, including members of Cable Guards, 76 rounds for practice and 24 rounds for such musketry or other course as may be approved by the Secretary for Defence.

Free issues of ammunition to be accounted for.

41. 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 practice and musketry ammunition on hand, and the unexpended balance shall be deducted from the issue for the following year.

Ammunition by purchase.

42. Each efficient active member of a Rifle Club shall be entitled to purchase 100 rounds of Mark VI. .303 ammunition per annum at the rate of £3 15s. per 1,000, and each non-efficient member may purchase a maximum of 50 rounds per annum at the same rate.

43. (1) Service ammunition, issued free, or sold by or on behalf of the Defence Department to a Rifle Club, shall be issued free or sold by the Club only to members thereof, and only for the purposes of rifle practice or rifle competitions by such members on approved ranges.

(2) A Rifle Club or a member of a Rifle Club to whom service ammunition has been issued free or sold under the restrictions specified in Australian Rifle Club Regulations 40 and 43 shall not sell such ammunition to any other Rifle Club, nor to any person not a member of the same club as himself.”

(3) Any member of a Rifle Club who sells any service ammunition otherwise than in accordance with this regulation shall be guilty of an offence.

Penalty: Twenty pounds.

(4) Any person who without authority (proof whereof shall be upon him) buys any service ammunition from a Rifle Club or member of a Rifle Club shall be guilty of an offence.

Penalty: Twenty pounds.

44. (1) All service ammunition found in the possession of any private person may be seized without warrant by a police constable and taken before a Court of summary jurisdiction.

(2) The Court before which any service ammunition is brought in pursuance of this Regulation shall declare such ammunition to be forfeited, unless the person in whose possession it was found satisfies the Court that he was lawfully in the possession of such ammunition.

(3) All service ammunition declared to be forfeited under this Regulation shall be handed over to the Supervisor to be dealt with by him as prescribed, or as the Minister may direct.

(4) Any private person who buys service ammunition from or sells service ammunition to any person without the authority of the Supervisor of Rifle Clubs of the district in which such purchase or sale took place, or who has in his possession any service ammunition without the authority of a Supervisor (proof whereof shall lie upon him), shall be guilty of an offence.

Penalty: Twenty pounds.

Disposal of empty cartridge cases.

45. Captains of Clubs shall make arrangements for the collection and sale of empty cartridge cases; the proceeds of such sales will be credited to Club funds, and shall be used only for Club purposes.

Grants for rifle ranges.

46. (1) Each new Rifle Club, if funds permit, 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 Minister.

(2) 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.

(3) In cases where it may be necessary to reconstruct, alter, or carry out any repair to any existing rifle range, subsequent to 1st July, 1914, 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, an 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.

Conditions governing grants for construction and repairs.

47. (1) Grants for the formation, construction, and equipment of rifle ranges shall be subject to the following conditions:—

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

(b) If the land upon which the range is situated is private property, that it is held by the Commonwealth under a lease of approved conditions, and of at least five years’ duration; under exceptional circumstances, the Minister may approve of a lesser duration than five years.

(c) All ranges shall be available for the Naval and Military Forces and Junior and Senior Cadets in the locality, and such Forces and Cadets shall be permitted to use the range at such time or times as may be arranged between the committee of the Club and the officer commanding such units.

(d) That the grant for the construction of a rifle range under sub-regulation (1) of Regulation 46 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 as provided in Regulation 46 (3).

(2) Grants for reconstruction, alteration, or repair of rifle ranges shall be subject to the following conditions:—

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

(b) 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 Minister, to any further grant.

(c) 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 last preceding.

(3) All grants under the provisions of this Regulation shall be subject to the necessary provision being made by Parliament, and will require the approval of the Secretary.

Inadequacy of equipment.

48. Where it is found that a range and equipment used conjointly by a Rifle Club and Military Unit is not adequate to meet requirements, and the existing range accommodation on a Military Range is less than eight target machines, and it is necessary to increase the accommodation for the use of members of Rifle Clubs, the cost may, with the approval of the Minister, be charged to the Rifle Clubs Vote.

Conditions of payment for repairs and maintenance.

49. (1) Repairs and maintenance shall be subject to the conditions which govern similar expenditure on Military Ranges; such repairs may be carried out on the approval of the Secretary for Defence, and charged to the Rifle Clubs Vote.

(2) No money shall be paid to a Rifle Club as rent or maintenance in consideration of its range being used by a military Unit.

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

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

District Union rangers.

50. 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 46, lying to the credit of the various Clubs allotted to such District Rifle Club Union may, with the consent of the Secretary, 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 proportion of the expenditure, the additional amount required shall be borne by the remaining Clubs in such proportion as may be determined by the Secretary. 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.

51. (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 sub-regulation (1) of Regulation 46. If the unexpended balance is less than £30, then only such balance shall be allowed, except with the approval of the Secretary, who may, notwithstanding that the balance available is less than £30, authorize a grant not exceeding that amount for an individual club, or where a number of clubs unite for the building of a joint or central range, such amount as he may consider expedient.

(2) Any Rifle Club having no main range of its own, which establishes a miniature rifle range, may, subject to provision being made by Parliament, receive a grant not exceeding £30 towards the construction thereof, or where a number of clubs unite for the building of a joint or central range, such amount as the Secretary may consider expedient.

(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 district in which they are situated in practice and hold competitions on its miniature range on such terms and conditions as may be fixed by the rules of the Rifle Club concerned.

(4) In all cases where a grant is made towards the cost of construction of a miniature rifle range an approved tenure to the Commonwealth over the land involved in the site must be obtained.

Return of grants during the year.

52. The Supervisor shall forward to Head-Quarters by the 31st July in each year a return showing the amounts expended under Regulations 46 to 51 during the preceding financial year. The return will be checked by the District Finance Officer.

Inspection of rifle ranges.

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

(2) Rifle practice shall not be carried out on any new or reconstructed rifle range until authorized by the Supervisor.

Military rifle ranges available for Clubs.

54. Rifle ranges which are used by any Naval or Military Units shall 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 then at such times as are arranged by the responsible officers.

Ranges to be retained after disbandment.

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

Accidents on rifle ranges.

56. If any accident happens to a marker or to any other person while practice is proceeding on the rifle range, the accident shall 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 District Base Commandant.

Annual returns.

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

(a) The names of all active members of the Club on the 30th June who were efficient during the year.

(b) A record of all free musketry and practice ammunition received during the financial year and how expended.

(c) A certificate as to the condition of all Government loan rifles in possession of the Club.

(2) Printed forms for this return will be supplied. No free ammunition will be issued to any Club from which this return has not been received.

Efficiency grant.

58. An efficiency grant of 5s., or such lesser amount as the Minister approves shall, subject to the necessary provision being made by Parliament, be made each year for every active member of a Rifle Club, and an additional £1 for every Cable Guard member 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.

No grant to be made after close of financial year.

59. 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.

60. The following are the services upon which the grant made under Regulation 58 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 approved by the District Base Commandant.

Efficiency grants the property of the Club.

61. Efficiency grants are not to be considered the property of, and cannot be claimed by, any individual, but shall be handed over to the Captain of the Club for the purposes of meeting the expenses mentioned in Regulation 60. In the case of the £1 efficiency grant earned by Cable Guard members, it will be paid to the member concerned.

Efficiency grants—banking arrangements.

62. The efficiency grant, as soon as it is received from the District Finance Officer, shall 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 shall be kept distinct from any private account. A cash-book shall be kept, in which will be recorded all sums received and each item of expenditure on the service specified in Regulation 60. Receipts for all payments shall be obtained, but in respect of 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 of moneys to be received from the District Finance Officer as repayments, receipts from principals shall be furnished.

Effiency grants—Accounts.

63. The accounts shall be balanced on the 30th June of each year, and a statement on the authorized form shall be prepared and signed by the Captain and Treasurer or Secretary of the Club, and forwarded to the Supervisor of Rifle Clubs as soon after that date as practicable, but not later than the 30th September, This statement shall show the receipts from the Government during the year, and the full expenditure on the authorized services mentioned in Regulation 60.

Railway travelling.

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

(i) Free travelling by rail to rifle practice;

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

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

(2) Before submitting these recommendations the Railway Department shall be consulted to ascertain whether the proposals are acceptable.

(3) When approved by the Secretary, Department for Defence, Supervisors shall cause a circular embodying these rules to be issued to all Captains of Rifle Clubs within their 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.

65. The wearing of uniform clothing 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, consisting of—

View image in the official source1 Hat

1 Jacket Khaki.

1 Pair Trousers

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

66. The Defence Act and all Australian Military Regulations will be taken generally as a guide in all matters not specially dealt with in the regulations governing Rifle Clubs.

Compulsory Retirement.

67. Members of Rifle Clubs shall retire as active members upon reaching the age of sixty-five years.

Standard rules.

68. The following shall be the standard rules of Rifle Clubs referred to in Regulation 33:—

Rules of the Rifle Club.

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

(2) On payment of the 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 a member 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 23.

(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 27, 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 Base 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 bylaws, 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 nonpayment 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 Base 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 Base 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 Base 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.

DIVISION 2.—RIFLE ASSOCIATIONS.

Council of Rifle Associations.

68. There shall be a Commonwealth Council of Rifle Associations of Australia, composed of two representatives from, and elected by, each State Rifle Association, except that in the State of Queensland the Northern and the Southern Associations shall each elect one representative. The Commandant, School of Musketry, shall be a member ex officio of the Commonwealth Council of Rifle Associations of Australia.

Objects of Council.

70. The objects of the Commonwealth Council shall be the promotion and conduct of all International and Inter-State Rifle Competitions, and the decision of any question in connexion with rifle shooting which may be referred to it by any rifle association. This Council shall act as an Advisory Board to assist the Minister for Defence in any matters affecting rifle shooting upon which he may deem it advisable to have their opinion, and shall also have power to make recommendations to the Minister in respect to the conduct of rifle shooting generally, other than the training of troops, throughout the Commonwealth. It may also advise the Minister with regard to the allocation of any funds voted by Parliament for the encouragement of Rifle Clubs and rifle shooting generally.

Associations in different districts.

71. (1) In the State of Queensland there shall be two State Rifle Associations. The area allotted to the Northern Queensland State Rifle Association shall comprise that portion of Queensland north of, and the Southern Queensland State Rifle Association shall comprise that portion of Queensland south of, a line commencing on the eastern coast of Queensland in latitude 22 degrees south; thence westerly by the 22nd parallel to its intersection with Landsborough Creek; thence in a south-westerly direction to the intersection of longitude 143 degrees 20 minutes east, and latitude 23 degrees south; thence westerly by the 23rd parallel to the South Australian border.

(2) In each of the other States of the Commonwealth there shall be one State Rifle Association.

Council of Rifle Associations.

72. (1) Each State Rifle Association shall be governed by a Council consisting of a president, one representative of the Naval Forces nominated by the District Naval Officer, the authorized number of representatives of District Rifle Club Unions, such number of elected members as shall be provided by the rules of the association, and a number of members equal to the number of elected members to be appointed annually by the District Base Commandant.

(2) The Council shall be charged with the conduct of all rifle matches (other than those laid down by the Military Regulations) and the promotion of rifle shooting generally.

(3) The District Base Commandant shall be the president, ex officio, and shall preside at all meetings of the Council at which he may be present, but may, if he so desires, at any such meeting delegate such duty to the chairman elected by the Council.

(4) The Council will, as a consultative body, also assist the District Base Commandant in all matters affecting the interests of rifle shooting in the district, or portion of the district, allotted to such association.

District Rifle Club Unions.

73. In each district there shall be established District Rifle Club Unions, and the object shall be to encourage rifle shooting amongst their members. The rules governing such unions shall be approved by the Secretary.

Approval of Rules.

74. The rules of the Commonwealth Council, and of the State Rifle Association Councils, shall be submitted for approval of the Secretary.

Reports to be sent to Supervisor.

75. All State Rifle Associations receiving a Government grant are required to send to the Supervisor a copy, in duplicate, of their annual report.

Annual competitions.

76. Officers will, on all occasions, use their utmost endeavours to promote the success of the annual competitions of the various rifle associations. They will promulgate, within the limits of their respective commands, all notices forwarded to them by the Councils of the different associations, and specially direct attention to the date on which returns of entries or other matters are to be rendered. Competitors at rifle meetings will be expected to conform to the regulations under which the competitions are carried out.

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