History

The establishment of the first Rifle Clubs in Ipswich

"It is in contemplation to establish a Rifle Club in Ipswich to serve eventually as a basis for Volunteer Corps, and several persons have signified their wish to join us.

We can conceive nothing more likely to the promotion of good fellowship among our fellow-townsman then such intercourse as the practice of rifle shooting is calculated to produce, while at the same time it increases the powers of the individual for self-defence, and would tend to general efficiency in the use of fire-arms". (Quote from The North Australian, 2nd August 1859).

Extract from the Courier, Sat 27 Aug 1859:
THE RIFLE MOVEMENT. - A movement has been going on for some time past in favor of a rifle corps, and a good number of " masculine animals" having appended their names to a document to that effect, a meeting was held on Tuesday evening in Mr. Cramp's school-house, to initiate more active steps in the matter. There was a large muster; every man present being filled with a loyal devotion to our Queen, to Fatherland, and to this our adopted country. Mr. Kent presided. After very interesting and patriotic addresses from the chairman and Mr.Cramp, Mr. Bethune offered his valuable services as drill-master. He would be most happy to teach them the "art of war, for he had been a soldier in his youth, when he had the honor to serve her Majesty as lance corporal's comrade in the Guards! And mounted sentry, yes, he had, alongside the ' monument,' on dark and dismal nights at Halloween. He had learnt something in the Guards which was just the thing for the Rifles. He was sure he could teach the 'Wheel about." Mr. Cramp proposed that a Rifle Club be now formed, and that it be called the "Ipswich Rifle Club.'" It was suggested by Dr. Challinor that it be named the “North Australian Rifle Club." Mr. Cramp assented, and the resolution was carried unanimously. Mr. Kilner proposed a resolution somewhat to this effect :-" That a committee of five, namely, Messrs. Kent, Kilner, Dr. Lucas, Messrs. Bethune and Heitz, be appointed, and that they solicit His Excellency, the Governor-General, to patronise the Club, and that his advice be requested ; also that the committee should point out to his Excellency how admirably adapted the country, from the mouth of the river to this, the head of the navigation, is for a rifle corps to bamboozle and humbug an enemy invading the country in river boats. Carried unanimously. Mr. Munro Smith then " sounded a retreat " by proposing an adjournment ; and that the committee be empowered to call another meeting to report progress, and for the furthertransaction of business. Carried unanimously. After a vote of thanks to the chairman the meeting dispersed.