MERCANTILE MARINE.
.... TRAINING THE BOYS. AUCKI*AND HARBOUR FACILITIES. The need for the Government training ship to be stationed in the Auckland harbour was mentioned by Mr. Erneet Davie yesterday, when a deputation from the Auckland Anniversary Regatta Committee waited on the Hon. T. -VI. Wilford, Minister of Marine, in reference to the question of obtaining a flagship for the annual regatta. Mr. Erneet Davis pointed out that the training ship was for the purpose of training boye for the mercantile marine, and generally instilling into them a keenness for the wor,k. If something were not done to encourage the boys in the district to come forward it was possible that there would be a shortage, as a result of the war; when men for the mercantile marine would be needed. They were looking at it from the point of view of business men, and they felt that they must do all in their power to keep the boys interested in a seafaring life. He suggested, further, that Mr. Wilford should take into consideration the question of making Auckland the headquarters for the Amokura. They, made this suggestion for no local reason, but because they felt that Auckland was peculiarly suited for the purposes of the eliip There were splendid spaces on the ■boachee' where the lada could be given necessary training ashore; and generally the surroundings were much more pleasant and suitable than at Wellington. If this were done, he was convinced that applications for cadctships would increase materially. Local boating men would be glad to take an interest in , the boys, and assist them in every way possible. a number of other speakers spoke in support of the request. The Minister, in reply, statod ho was eorry to cay that the question did not altogether preaent itself to him in the same light as that stated by the members of tho deputation. They had applications from boys from all over Mew Zealand for training on the ship—move, in fact, than they could possibly deal with as matters stood. The Amokura was not co well adapted for the purpose as she should be in view of the fact that this wae an island home. The number of applications already waiting showed the need for another ship. This brought up tlie question of finance, and he did not see that anything could be done in that direction at present. He would say this, however, that he would give instructions that the Amokura should during the year be stationed a certain number of months in the Auckland Harbour. He could not give dates because the Amokura had to go. to tho Kermadccs to re-provision - the stores there, and she had also to undertake a trip of inspection to the South, co that it would not be possible to "get her here for some montns. He would promise, however, that her time should be divided up set that for a fair and reasonable time she would be in Auckland.
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Bibliographic details
Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 10, 11 January 1918, Page 5
Word Count
496MERCANTILE MARINE. Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 10, 11 January 1918, Page 5
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