THE R.N.V.R.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 181, 1 August 1936, Page 10

THE R.N.V.R.

PERMANENT FORCE.

IMPORTANT CHANGES.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.

NEW POLICY ANNOUNCED.

Orders recently received by the commanding officer, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Auckland, indicate important changes in the conditions of service of that unit. Virtually, it is stated, these changes will make the R.N.V.R. a permanent force with a highly-trained personnel. Older and more experienced men will be accepted, and an increased programme of drills and sea training will be carried out.

In future men, 011 joining, must agree to serve on the active list for a period of four years, instead of three, as at present. On completion of three years' service under the old regulations men could either re-engage for successive periods of one year or be placed on list 11 until 30 years old. In future list 11 will be abolished and men desiring to re-engage can do so for successive periods of five, years, and remain on the active list until 40 years of age. Sailing Experience. On completion of the lii'st period of training compulsory parades are considerably reduced. Annual training afloat in either H.M. cruisers, sloops or trawlers, will remain. Also, opportunities will exist for voluntary training in excess of the seven days laid down. Combined operations at sea will probably become an annual event. If;-is also anticipated. that throughout the summer months opportunities will be given for R.N.V.R. officers and men to join in with officers and men of the Navy for week-end cruises under sail in the yacht Viking. It is probable that an opportunity will be given to suitable men now retired and on List to report on the active list, and should sufficient suitable men be forthcoming tliey will be formed into sub-divisions compatible with their age, and retain the rating they held on transfer. Payment of Trainees. A further important change is in the payment of trainees. In the past R.N.V.R. men did their training at their own expense. Now 9d per drill is to be paid from Government funds to compensate for out-of-pocket expenses, and full naval rates will be paid during the periods of training afloat. It is considered likely that even more may be done by the Government to assist in building up the reserve to greater strength and greater efficiency.

The new system will be explained by Captain E. G. Morris, R.N., director of naval reserves, who will visit the R.N.V.R. headquarters, St. Mary's Bay, on Tuesday next at 7.30 p.m., to address the men. " Ail men who have retired and who are eligible under the new age of service (40 years), are invited to be present at this meeting, either in uniform or in civilian clothes. An opportunity will also be given men now serving to make a new contract of service, bringing them into line with the. new regulations. .