The Blenheim Rifle Volunteers , known as B Company of the First Battalion of the Nelson Infantry Volunteers, was formed on the 31st of October. 1876, with Captain J. T. Robinson in command. In 1887 the membership of the corps had greatly increased, and it was decided to form another company. This company was called the Blenheim City Rifles, which, however, disbanded in the year 1898. page 323 owing to a period of unpopularity, which had greatly reduced its membership. Captain J. T. Robinson was succeeded, in turn, by Captain A. Rogers (who was promoted to the rank of Major, in 1895), Lieut. J. Fowler, and Captain Powell. Officers for the year 1905: Captain E. S. Parker and Lieutenants Rogers and O'Sullivan. Shooting is a strong point with the corps, and a large number of prizes are annually distributed for efficiency in marksmanship. In interprovincial shooting matches, the Blenheim Rifle corps has always held a creditable place, and on several occasions has succeeded in gaining first prize for volley firing. Many members of the corps have received medals for long serice, and Major Rogers has received the Victoria decoration for twenty years of service as an officer. During the late South African Boer war, the corps sent several members to the front, and one of its officers, Lieutenant (now Major) Polson, won the Distinguished Service Order. One of the members has been continuously a member since the formation of the corps in 1876; and the veteran Volunteer Harding, known all over New Zealand as a marksman, is a member of the Blenheim Rifles.

Captain Edward S'tone Parker, of the Blenheim Rifle Voluteer Corps, was born in Blenheim, in November, 1875, and is the eldest son of Mr. W. B. Parker. He was educated at the local Borough School, and joined the Blenheim Rifle Volunteer corps as a private in the year 1897. Mr. Parker subsequently became, in succession, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. He is further referred to as proprietor of Parker's Cycle and Music Depot.