Work Of Girls’ Nautical Training Corps

Press, Volume C, Issue 29557, 5 July 1961, Page 2

Work Of Girls’ Nautical Training Corps

The Giris* Nautical training Corps in Christchurch wu the first group in New Zealand to have a course in mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, according to the commanding officer of the corps (Miss M. Hall) yesterday. The four-week course had been included in the wide training programme undertaken by the cadets, she said. Speaking at the annual meeting of the women’s auxiliary of the Canterbury branch of the Navy League, Miss Hall outlined the history of the corps and the work now being done by the cadets. The corps was started in England during the Second World War to train girls aged between 14 and 18, who were too young to train as Wrens. The group was then called the Girls’ Naval Training Corps. At the end of the war the corps was made a voluntary youth organisation. Miss Hall visited units in England in 1963. She was one of 100 girls who manned the ship Foudroyant at Portsmouth for a naval review The girls, who spent 10 days on board, included sea rangers as well as members of the corps. The training they received was similar to that now being carried out by New Zealand corps. “The girls here have an extensive general training as well as training in seamanship, drill and first aid,” said Miss Hall. ‘They learn to give and take orders and to take a pride in their clothes, their country and their work. "Mueh of our work is done with words and blackboard teaching, but this can be trying for girls who have spent the day in school or in the office. The most valuable training is given when we go out sailing for a day. The girls then give orders, hoist and lower the ensign, hoist

the anchor —in fact man the yacht as we go in and out of the harbour. Mid-way through the day we have lunch and a swim and then spend one hour on instruction. “We have had ah eightweek course on signals and telegraphy—the same training as they have in the Wrens. When they finished the course six girls received their telegraphist’s wings. We are hoping to have a further course in this.” Week's Camp Each year the South Island corps combines with the North Island corps for a week s camp. Practical training again occupies much of the time. At the last camp, in addition to the usual Wren activities, the girls were taught to use rifles. “It is something we think the girls should know,” said Miss Hall. “They may have to face someone with a rifle or may have to take one from a child who has picked it up. It is good for than to know how to handle it with safety.” In a competition with Sea Cadets, the girls proved better shots, she added. The Girls’ Nautical Training Corps has its own yacht, the 18ft N Class Majestic. This replaced the previous yacht which was lost at its moorings in a storm four years ago. Before the girls can go to sea they must swim 50 yards fully clothed For those members who cannot swim there are organised classes at the Centennial Pool. 'The corps is now officially recognised,” said Miss Hall. “We have received invitations to public functions and were included in a naval parade two years ago. It was inspected by Admiral J. M. Villiers, then Chief of the Naval Staff. We have also taken part in several church parades with Navy personnel.”