SNIPER PLATOONS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 121, 4 March 1939, Page 5

SNIPER PLATOONS

APPEAL TO YOUNG MARKSMEN. THEIR VALUE IN DEFENCE. WEEK’S COURSE OF TRAINING. (Per Press Association). TRENTHAM, *This Day. An appeal to young marksmen to enlist in the sniper platoons now being recruited by the Defence Department was made by the president of the National Rifle Association (Captain A. F. R.. Crawford) in an address to competitors before the start of the shooting in service matches fired at Trentham today. A week’s course of training for snipers is to commence at Trentham next Thursday. " >'. After referring to the facilities and privileges extended to riflemen by the Defence Department, Captain Crawford •said that young' marksmen could do something in return for those privileges by supporting the sniper platoons. He appealed to members of the Association and of rifle clubs generally to give their support and provide the * snipers that were required. It was, he said, a wonderful opportunity for; marksmen /between 16 and 32 years /of age to learn sniping tactics. • Any individual taking the sniper’s course, would be provided with transport .to and from Trentham and receive 'volunteer- rates 1 of pay- and his keep'whilein carhp. “If war-should come, we in New Zealand would not be exempt from the field of operation,” said Captain Crawford. ’ “I leave it to you to imagine wliat the position would be if a hostile fleet came to New Zealand, with its many isolated harbours where ships could be snug and let loose ’planes that would bomb us. Attempts might be made to land men, and that is where our snipers would come in useful.” Firing in Compulsory service matches will occupy all day. There are 317 competitors in this series, 39 attending the meeting for the purpose of taking part in these matches only.