Girls’ Corps Wants New Recruits

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32321, 12 June 1970, Page 2

Girls’ Corps Wants New Recruits

The Girls’ Nautical Training Corps in Christchurch has launched a campaign to attract new recruits. Invitations will be sent to schools to attend the “cap” ceremony at which recruits become full members.

Approaches will be made to Christchurch organisations for donations towards funds for buying uniforms, equipment, and maintaining it. A trek by the girls, in their smart navy uniforms, is also being planned to raise money. “I feel many more girls would like to join if they knew about the corps.” said Miss Rosalind Sampson, who holds the rank of third officer. The organisation was open to all girls from 13 to 20, she said. For the school-leavers who join there was in addition to the naval courses, instruction in cosmetics, judo, and travel. When a girl joined she was a trainee for two or three months, during which time she learned elementary aspects of the Navy, naval ceremonies, ship’s bells, customs, and civil defence. i After passing a small test .she was eligible to don her | hard cap and uniform, and become a full member of the corps. More advanced aspects

of naval training were then taught The winter months were spent learning theory, such as Morse code, taught by Army staff. But in summer, most week-ends were spent yachting, or rowing at Sumner. The corps has two craft a 12ft yacht and a 16ft boat for rowing. The techniques of sailing are taught, enabling many of the girls to become competent yachtswomen. As part of their training, the girls are taken on guided tours aboard British and New Zealand naval ships when berthed at Lyttelton. The girls also work with the Sea Cadets, and hold dances with them. The corps meets weekly at H.M.N.Z.S. Pegasus, in Montreal Street. The Christchurch branch, which has 30 members, is the oldest in New Zealand. Other branches are in Auckland and Wellington.