Defence in South Australia in the nineteenth century was the responsibility of the colonial government. Interest and arrangements fluctuated according to perceived threats. In 1859, fears of aggression by the far away Napoleon III of France led to a flurry of activity in the Australian colonies. The South Australian Volunteer Military Force was set up in 1860 and soon had enrolled 2000 men (the maximum number that could be supplied with rifles) in units in Adelaide and country areas. The Eastern Suburban Rifle Company (or Volunteer Reserve Corps) was formed at a meeting at the Maid and Magpie Inn, Stepney in February 1860 and comprised about 50 men from the Stepney and Kent Town area. James Sellar, a Stepney storekeeper, was elected Captain and his appointment was officially approved by the colonial governor. he was promoted to Major in 1863. (Register, 9 February 1860, p3, 20 February 1860, p3). The uniform (put to tender) comprised a grey suit and black pants. The company trained monthly, doing rifle practice and marching drills. Its duties were almost entirely ceremonial, for example participating in guards of honour and military reviews (parades). A large parade of men from units around the colony was held in Adelaide on 9 November 1860. The event was a popular public spectacle, and included the presentation of commissions and the blessing of the Adelaide Regiment's colours. (Register, 9 November 1860, p3). The Clubs were at least as much about sport - rifle shooting competitions - as they were about defence of the colony. They were also an occasion for socials and dinners. The newly formed Eastern Suburban Rifle Company marked the birthday of their sovereign, Queen Victoria, with a celebratory dinner at the Maid and Magpie Inn, on 24 May 1860. Captain Sellars proposed the toast to her with 'loyalty in every word and look.' (Weekly Chronicle, 26 May 1860, p1). The Company wound up after the passing of the Volunteer Act in 1866. This image is a 1918 copy of a photograph take in 1860 after Company members had received their uniforms. The State Library of SA has an indetical image, dated 1860.