NAVY LEAGUE

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22829, 30 September 1939, Page 8

NAVY LEAGUE

“MEMBERS’ WORK NOT FINISHED” VIEWS OF PRESIDENT Although the league’s peace-time activities were mainly to emphasise the necessity for a strong British Navy as the Empire’s safeguard, now the Empire was at war, and the navy was tremendously strong, members need not consider their work had finished, srid the president, Mr T. M. Charters, at the monthly meeting of the Canterbury branch of the Navy League. \ In spite of the criticism levelled at the league by pacifist organisations, the position to-day was ample evidence that the league’s principles were sound. Mentioning the work of the sea cadet corps over a period of years. Mr Charters reminded the meeting that many former cadets were now at sea in the Royal Navy, the Royal Naval Reserve, and the Merchant Navy. “This speaks volumes for the training given by Lieutenant-Commander R. C. E. Harding. and Lieu'enant E, Collins D.S.M., and the other officers,” he said. It was the intention of the league to foster the sea cadet training and the recent acquisition of a hall was already proving a step in the right direction. Should the war be prolonged, who knew but that the cadets at present being trained might not be used in the sea services to fill gaps?” , . The women’s auxiliary was maxing a good effort to assist with patriotic work, and its services had been unreservedly offered to the Mayor of Christchurch. In addition, it would continue to assist the sea cadet corps. The junior women had taken’up Red Cross work with enthusiasm and Zj had recently passed the examination for V.A.D. work, , , Arrangements arc being made to cooperate with the sea cadet branch in England as reciuested by the head office in London, with a view to recei/mg recognition of the local corps by the Admiralty. „ • , The Navy Office m Wellington will bo communicated with to ascertain how the league can work to assist the crewj of the New Zealand division on service, . , , Trafalgar Day will be celebrated with a luncheon on October 20.