ARTILLERY TRAINING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 283, 30 November 1933, Page 3

ARTILLERY TRAINING.

GARRISON BARRACKS. ANNUAL CAMPS AT EOTOEUA. Members of the ISth Medium and the 20th Light Batteries, New Zealand Artillery, have been in en nip on the Eotorua racecourse. The 20th battery marched in 011 Wednesday, November 22. and broke camp yesterday, while the 18th battery marched in on the 25th and will leave next Saturday.

The cam]) was under the command of Major (!. B. Parkinson, R.N.Z.A., and there was a fair representation of the various sections of each battery. Lieutenant Weir, R.N.Z.A., was adjutant. Pull calibre firing was carried cut on -Monday and Tuesday by the men of the 20th battery, an<i the ISth were to hold their shoot to-day and to-morrow. The men undergo a thorough training in all branches of artillery work, gas drill, signalling and horsemanship, and (he quality of efficiency .is much greater this year than previously under the volunteer system. An aeroplane from the Ilobson ville air base, piloted by Squadron-Leader Isitt, attends all shoots for the purpose of practising with aeroplanes. Major-General Sinclair-Burgees, general officer commanding New Zealand Military Forces, visited the camp in company with other officers from general headquarters, Colonel F. Symons, director of artillery, Colonel I. T. Standish, C.M.G., U. 5.0.", adjutant and quartermaster general, and Lieutenant-Colonel W. McK Geddis, M.C., officer commanding coast group artillery, being present. General satisfaction at the work and the standard of efficiency of the men was expressed by the inspecting officers. Military sports were held on Sunday afternoon. Visitors were admitted to the camp. Competitions in horsemanship, running and athletics were held between the batteries, and rivalry was keen. On Monday evening in the Blue Baths, inter-battery swimming competitions were held, and were won on the aggregate by the 18th battery.