The Wakari Rifles owes its existence to the military feeling engendered during the war in South Africa. It was formed on the 11th of April, 1900, and ranks as I Company of the 1st Battalion Otago Rifle Volunteers. The officers of the corps are Captain A Washer and Lieutenant W. Dobson.

Captain Alfred Washer , of the Wakari Rifles, was born in England, and came with his parents to New Zealand in 1872. He first joined his present corps in 1879, but left it on his departure for Sydney in 1885. In 1900, some time after his return to Dunedin, he assisted in re-forming the company, and was elected lieutenant, and became captain a year after. Captain Washer is an enthusiastic volunteer, and has spared neither time nor trouble in bringing his corps to its present state of efficiency. He has been an active member of the Roslyn Borough Council for some time, and is also a Justice of the Peace.

Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.
Captain A. Washer.

Lieutenant William Dobson , of the Wakari Rifles, was born at Kaikorai Valley, and is a son of Mr. Thomas Dobson, who came to Otago in 1866 by the ship “Ellenslea.” In 1896 he joined the old Wakari Rangers, and remained a member until the disbandment of the corps. On the formation of the Wakari Rifles, in 1900, he joined as private and was appointed lieutenant in 1902, on his return from South Africa. Lieutenant Dobson joined the Seventh Contingent as sergeant. He took part in all engagements, and during the latter part of his service in South Africa he acted as sergeant-major. He is in charge of the insurance department in the firm of Messrs Neill and Co., Dunedin. Lieutenant Dobson has taken part in various company shooting matches, and has played in the Roslyn Association football team for eight years.