SEA CADETS AT TIMARU

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28795, 16 January 1959, Page 7

SEA CADETS AT TIMARU

Christchurch Units On H.M.S. Crane

(From Our Own Reporter) TIMARU, January 15. While H.M.S. Crane’s shallow water divers carried out practice dips off the quarterdeck into the Timaru harbour today, 19 Christchurch Sea Cadets received instructions on basic seamanship and damage control. Ten cadets are from the open unit, while the remainder are from school units—St. Aandrew’s, Christ’s College, Christchurch Boys’ High School and Christchurch Technical College. The cadets, who are treated as members of the crew, are ‘‘under the wing” of Chief Petty Officer R. Taylor and Lieutenants L. Carr and M. Murnane. The ratings will leave for Christchurch tomorrow, having then completed five days’ sea training, and they will be replaced by Dunedin Sea Cadets, who will return to Dunedin in the Crane on Sunday. The Christchurch Cadets boarded the frigate last Monday. On the trip to Akaroa there was a 4in rapid open fire and bofors firing demonstration, and the use of “hedgehogs” (an anti-sub-marine weapon) was demonstrated. Instruction at Sea

When the Crane left Akaroa, the„ cadets had a turn at the wheel, and practised the lowering of the whaler. They also received

signal instruction, and were instructed in all aspects of ship work including wires and awnings.

The cadets rise and shine at 5.30 a.m. when they are required to stow their bedding and perform their ablutions. At 6 a.m. they fall in on the quarterdeck and swab down the upper deck. Breakfast at 7 a.m. is followed half an hour later by general training, which extends until mid-day. Further instruction is given in the afternoon and after supper at 6.30 p.m. they are free until 9 p.m. when they are “piped down.” In order to accommodate the Sea Cadets, a corresponding number of ship’s ratings are on leave.