The Waipawa Rifles was formed in the year 1897, chief among its promoters being Messrs H. C. Collett, and H. M. Rathbone, with Captain McClennan first in command. Fifteen of its members went to the front during the South African war, nine of whom are still members of the corps. The present membership is about fifty, and the uniforms are blue, with scarlet tunic and helmet, and khaki respectively. Parades are held weekly, and frequent shooting practices are also held during seven months of the year. There is an excellent range of eighteen targets, and the corps takes part in all inter-corps shooting contests between Gisborne and Woodville. The officers are: Captain H. C. Collett, and Lieutenants Collett and Sutherland, Colour-Sergeant Pellow is secretary.

Lieutenant Albert Edward Collett, First Lieutenant of the Waipawa Rifles, joined the corps at its formation, and was elected to his present rank in the early part of 1906. He took part in the South African war as a corporal in the Ninth Contingent, remaining on the field for nine months, during which time he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Mr. Collett was born in Waipawa, in November, 1880, was educated at the local public school, and afterwards entered the employ of Mr. A. E. Jull, for whom he is now chief clerk. He was for about nine years a member, and for about six years of that term foreman of the local fire brigade, and is an Oddfellow of ten years' standing. Mr. Collett is captain of the local senior football team.

Sergeant Richard John Pellow, Senior Sergeant and Secretary of the Waipawa Rifles, is the second son of Mr. William Pellow, proprietor of the Commercial Hotel, and was born in Cornwall, England, in June, 1875. He was brought to New Zealand in the year of his birth, was educated at the Waipawa public school, and afterwards learned the hair-dressing trade, under his brother, whose business he bought in April, 1900, and has since successfully conducted it on his own account. Mr. Pellow is a member of the local golf club.