RIPA ISLAND CAMP.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14916, 14 March 1914, Page 7

RIPA ISLAND CAMP.

Since they entered the camp of the Coastal Defence Force at Rips Island, the Xo. 8 Company, from Westport, have been receiving instructional and service practice in gunnery. Such progress was made by the men that, although they had never had experience with fire armaments until the past few days, they were able to participate in battle practice, which was held at Fort Jervois yesterday, with No. 4 Compan.v, N.Z.G.A.T. The proceedings were watched by Major-General Godley, who was accompanied by Colonel Cooper, Colonel Smyth, Colonel Johnston, and Lieut. Thring. Tho first series was fired from Bin b.l. guns by No. 8 Company, under Major Cot- j trill, second series from 6in b.l. by j -No. 4 Company (Lieut. Evendon); 3rd ; series from 6in b.l. No. 4 Company; (Capt. Vealo) ; 4th series from 6-poun- , der q.f. No. 8 Company (Lieut. | Green); oth series from 6-pounder q.f., No. S Company (Sergt. M. Donagh); 6th series from 6-pounder q.f.. No. 4 Company (Lieut. Harris); 7th series from 6-pounder q.f., No. 4 Company (Sergeant Peagram). The shots from the big guns were fired over a range of about 5000 yds, at targets towed by tho s.s. Purau, with a tow line 400 yds in length, the targets being placed 200 ft apart, this representing tho length of a cruiser. Some splendid shooting was done by No. 4 Company, which fired 10 rounds in the fast timo of six minutes, six seconds, which, although not a record, is well inside the time allowed under regulations. From the fort the shooting on the whole seemed excellent, and in one round in series three the tow-line between the targets was severed by a well-placed shot. AH the shots fell between the targets during the shooting, and it is expected that when the results are made up they' will prove very satisfactory. During the firing one of the gunners, while in a gun-pit. received an injury to his ears, necessitating medical attendance. After the two companies had been inspected by General Godley, he addressed the men, stating that he was pleased to havo seen the companies drilling and shooting. He pointed out that the companies were responsible for the. whole of the coastal defence of tho Canterbury district. Such a camp aii the present one was sure to be oi : benefit and advantage to the men, and would fill them with a healthy emulation. Through the two companies meeting each other they would get to know one another and would loam a great deal. He was glad to have seen No. 8 Company shooting with the Sin guns, and also the record in time established by No. 4 Company. The shooting had been excellent. Of this he had been assured by Lieut.-Colonel Johnston, director of ordnance, who was an expert in this connexion. He hoped that the members of No. 4 Company had enjoyed their stay on the island, and that they would return to Westport with pleasant recollections of Lyttelton. He concluded by congratulating Colonel Cooper and the officers of the companies on tbe success of the camp. Before the companies broke up, General Godley presented medals for twelve years' service to ' Sergeant Donagh and Corporal Marshall. A sports meeting was held at the camp on Thursday afternoon, the results being as follow :— Territorial Championship, 100 yards. —Corporal F. Moir (4) 1, Gunner W. Furneaux (4) 2. Relay Race, 400 yards.—No. 4 Company (Corporal Moir. Gunner Furneaux, Gunner Clark, and Gunner Ferra), 1. Potato Race —Bombardier Hall, 1. Race. —Gunners Wheatley and Williams (8), 1. Tent Pitching.—No. 8 Company, under Sergeant Donagh, 1. Egg and Spoon Race. —Gunner Keid (8), 1. Officers' Race. —Lieut. Evenden (4), 1, Sergeant-Major Connolly, R.N.Z.A., 2. Boxing Contest.—Gunner O'Neill (8), In the evening a 6moko concert was held, at which a number of the officers were present. Major Cottrill presented prizes won during the year, 1913, -for miniature rifle shooting. The prize list was as follows:—No 1 competition, Bombardier Vidnlich 1, Bombardier Ryder 2. No. 2 competition, Bombardier Lloyd 1, Bombardier Duffey 2. No. 3 competition, Sergeant Peagram 1. Gnnner Duffy 2, Bombardier Burnell 3. A medal presented by Quartermaster Reid for the most improved shooting during the season was won by Bombardier Burnell with an aggregate of 65.5. Bombardier G. Duffey being second, with an aggregate of 65.1. The last of the competitions between the two companies encamped at Ripa Island was decided yesterday afternoon with the following results:—-Swimming "relay raco, 100 yds, No. 4 Company, J. Annand, L. Ferra, W. Gealy, I>. Stewart, 1; diving competition, J. Annand, No. 4, 1. In the aggregate Lyttelton secured six wins to their opponents' four. The serious work of the camp practically finished last night, and to-day the men will leave for their homes.