VOLUNTEER “SMOKO”

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 259, 28 July 1932, Page 3

VOLUNTEER “SMOKO”

Fort Dorset, Seatoun KEEPING SPIRIT ALIVE Fort Dorset, Seatoun, was thrown open for inspection last evening, searchlights, engine-room, range-finding, signalling and gun detachments being at work. The occasion was a reunion and smoke concert of the Wellington Naval Artillery Volunteers, the No. 3 Coy. Garrison Artillery, and the 15th Battery, N.Z.A. The two former units are now merged into the present 15th battery. Members of the “old brigades” spent an interesting hour inspecting the equipment of the fort, which doubtlessly brought back many happy memories of their volunteer days. Following the inspection of the fort, all gathered iu one of the hutments, where a successful smoke concert was held. Major D.. A. Carty, Commanding 15th Coast Battery, presided. The chairman read a letter from Sir George Richardson, in Auckland, who said that nothing would give him greater pleasure than to meet again the men — or those who were left —who were under his tuition many years ago. Their very name recalled pleasant memories and reminded him of the splendid work and high standard of efficiency they reached by hard training and self-sacrificing effort given without pay or any hope of reward other than the satisfaction .of knowing they were serving their country. Standard Set in Past. Following the’loyal toast, Major Carty proposed the health of the old Wellington Naval Artillery Volunteers and the did No. 3 Company, Garrison Artillery. He commented on the wonderful name that the men of these two units had earned for themselves. At the present time the battery was finding it very difficult to carry on. It had got comparatively little financial assistance from the Government for the obvious reason that there was none there. It had a lot of men . who were trying to get somewhere near the tone and spirit of the old navals. Whether they would succeed or not was another matter;

Finance the battery had. not got, but it could get on without it, Major Carty continued. It could carry on with the keenness and support of the men in the unit. The aim of the present battery was to rejuvenate the interest and attachment that the men had in their units in days of old. It was very gratifying to . know that they had the support of the old units behind them. t Artillery Association. Major Carty referred briefly to the proposal to form an artillery associatiou, similar to the Territorial Association recently formed at the instigation of the Mayor, but with a-narrower sphere of action. It was felt that the present, was the right time to form such an association. He urged the members of the battery to get into touch with as many old members as possible. Surely the four Wellington batteries could resuscitate enough dormant interest to enable the artillery to maintain the tone and standard throughout difficult times. Lieutenant C. A. Williamson, proposing the toast of the R.N.Z.A., said that this unit supplied instructors for the N.Z.A., and very fine work they did. They were willing at all times to help, and showed great forbearance and patience with many a raw recruit; Captain Parkinson replied. In reply to the toast of the “Old Navals,” Mr.. J. Francis returned thanks for the hearty welcome accorded that evening. He knew that men of the Old Navals would do all in their power to help the’young fellows who were coming on. He would like to see the territorial system a success. Other toasts were: “Old Members of the 15th Battery.” proposed by Sergeant Matheson, and replied to by Major Abel; “Other Batteries,” proposed by Lieutenant Thomas, and replied to by Major Fenton (19th Battery), and Lieutenant Stephenson (13th Battery); and “The Officers,” proposed by Sergeant-Major Steel, and replied to by Lieutenant Scotland. During the evening items were contributed by Major Carty, Sergeant Matheson, Mr. W. Houchen, and Mr. L. Salex.