Anti-Submarine Attack

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 215, 11 September 1944, Page 4

Anti-Submarine Attack

A mock anti-submarine attack by two naval motor boats thrilled spectators at the Devonport Naval Base on Saturday. The boats crossed and re-crossed the course of the "submarine," and in their wake great pillars of water and smoke shot high into the air as the depth charges exploded with muffled reports. The charges, which were specially reduced in explosive power, were dropped at a distance of about 75 yards from the shore, so that the spectators had an excellent view of the "action." Another display which attracted keen attention involved the rigging of a breeches buoy and the "rescue" of men from the top of a high cliff. Weather in August August had no very severe weather and there was less wind and more cloud than usual in most districts, reports the Government Meteorologist. It completed what has been a fairly easy winter for stock which are in very good condition. Lambing commenced with favourable weather, but some small losses resulted from the wet southerly in the Wairarapa on the 19th and from the rain at the close of the month on parts of the Marlborough coast. Cultivation in some places has been prevented by the wetness of the ground- and the absence of drying- winds. The month's rainfall showed many variations. The more conspicuous excesses occurred in Nelson and Marlborough, between Tauranga and Napier and locally near Wellington City and Balclutha. While in Westland and to the east of the North Island ranges sunshine was above normal, totals were deficient elsewhere. Gisborne had the highest total of 204 hours. Small Boys' Paradise On Saturday the Devonport Naval Base, open to the public for the first time during the war, was a veritable paradise for the small boy. It was a day when the dreams of so many of them—to board a real warship, close the breech of a real gun, "wiggle" a real searchlight and man a real ack-ack post—came true at last. Jack Tars entered with enthusiasm into the infectious spirit of the never-ending stream of inquiring youth and gave them all the pointers they demanded in the art of naval warfare. The boys overran the "little ships" of the navy from truck to keels'n, exploring nooks and crannies. inaccessible to many adults. Particularly popular were two rooms set apart for a display of small arms and ammunition. Here swarms of youngsters were able to handle the weapons, shells and cartridges, all of which had, of course, been rendered harmless. It was a day of days, but posed a problem to more serious-minded adults who asked themselves how the rising generation could best be made to adjust themselves to the attractions of peacetime pursuits.