DEFENCE SERVICES

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 266, 5 August 1932, Page 7

DEFENCE SERVICES

News of Rank and File ON PARADE AND OFF Topics of the Moment

(By

“Liaison.”)

H.M.B. Dunedin’s Officers. Captain M. J. C. de Meric, who brought H.M.S. Diomede to New Zealand after her refit to England in 1930, commanded H. Dunedin on the voyage to New Zealand. The Dunedin arrived at Auck- . land on Sunday evening. Captain de Meric has with him the following offiCommander P. B. R. W. William-Pow-lett, Lieut-Commander 0. D. Arbuthnot, Lieutenants S. H. Carlill, K. S. Backhouse, K. R. Buckley, N. R. Quill, and R, H. Courage; Commander R. A. Fletcher, Lieutenant T. G. 8.. Winch, Captain L, Priestly, Royal Marines; Pay-master-Commander E. C. Kenton, Pay-master-Lieutenant J. G. Bennett; Sur-geon-Commander J. E. Clark; Sub-Lieu-tenant B. Walford; Commissioned Gunners W. Paige and R. H. Shipcott; Gunner E. J Watts; Warrant-Engineers F. I. Sharman and J. H. Longman; Schoolmaster, I. D. Lawrence; Warrant-Ship-wright, S. H. Tozer. Artillery. During the week-end the 15th “Coast” Battery held a camp at. Fort Dorset for ' officers and other ranks who wish to qualify for promotion. Five officers and twenty-three others attended the , camp, and much useful work was carried out Subjects in which instruction was given were foot drill; range finding, signalling, gun drill and laying, the use of engines and dynamos; and for the officers a special course in the use of the automatic sight, as well as practice with the miniature range. In addition all hands received instruction and practice in horsemastership—always a popular item on the syllabus. The 19th Battery held its first parade of the month on Monday evening at the Artillery Hall, Buckle Street, when there was a good attendance, and a • useful syllabus of training was carried out. This included gun drill, signalling., range finding, director work, tractor driving and fire discipline. ■' An interesting ceremony was performed during the evening when the Battery Commander, Major R. W. Fenton, presented the New Zealand Service Mrf’.l (for twelve years’ continuous and efficient service) to Captain A. V. Jenkins. Rongotai Cadets. The artillery section of the Rongotai College Cadets held its fortnightly parade at Fort Dorset on Friday. The boys are very keen and thoroughly enjoy the visit to the fort; where they are instructed in ' coast artillery work. At present they are looking forward to one whole afternoon at Fort , Dorset before the term holidays commence. It ia understood that the officer commanding the section. has, been granted this privilege by the principal of the college in view of the boys’ enthusiasm. Wellington Regiment. ,An officers’ mess dinner was recently held at the United Services. Club. This was well attended and was a very enjoyable function. These periodical reunions serve a useful purpose in preserving the good fellowship that exists between the various branches of the services, and of bringing together officers past and present, to their mutual advantage. “D” Coy., Petone, has formed a social club, and its members are now at work painting the club rooms. At present a number of officers and sergeants are attending a course of instruction at the Garrison Hall. The course includes all the subjects required for examination for .promotion, and for first appointment to commission, tactics and topography,, map reading, organisation, administration, military law, drill, weapon training and field service regulations. Examinations of N.C.O.’s for promotion to the rank of C.S.M. and sergeant are also being held this week. Masterton Notes. The military ball held at Masterton on July 28 was again a huge success, over 300 couples being present. Among the visitors were officers from Wellington, Levin,. Wanganui, and Hastings. . The decorations, designed by Captain Pringle, of the W.E.C.M.R., were a feature of the ball. . ■ A course for officers and N.C.O.’s of the M.G. Platoon of the Hawke’s Bay Regiment is being carried out this week, Lectures on tactics and other subjects have , been arranged. During the week-end de-, monstrations with machine-guns and tactical exercises will be carried out, West Coast Regiment. t The signal group held its course last week from July 25 to 30, ending up with a half-day parade on Saturday. The instructor was Corporal Worshop, N.Z.P.S., and the progress made was such that at the end of the course five were considered fit for classification. In addition to the evening parades, several attended during the day for extra instruction. Those who came in for special mention by the instructor were: Corporal Taylor, Privates Cresswell, Greig, and Stitt. The signallers have set such a high standard of attendance that No. 1 Platoon (M.G.), A Company, has now followed suit by parading weekly. * . , The Feilding members of the regiment propose to hold a dance in September. The strength of this centre is now 70, and Feilding has been the means of bringing the regiment up to its full establishment. The intelligence section, under .Lieut. H. O. Burford, has made a start in training. This section is now also up to strength. The date for the regimental boxing tourney to be held in Wanganui is fixed for August 15. Included in the programme is an exhibition wrestling bout by two well-known amateurs. Gisborne Activities. During the instructional period of the last meeting of the Gisborne Territorial Club, Second-Lieutenant Hartnell gave a lucid lecture on the intricacies of military law. Judging by the number of questions after the lecture, it is clear that this subject proves of exceptional interest, not only to officers, but to all ranks. It is stated that the next meeting of this institution will take place on Monday. The gatherings have far exceeded all expectations. In order to further encourage interest and keenness in military matters, arrangements have been made by Captain A. Bongard, M.C., to hold a general efficiency competition among members ot the headquarters wing, Ist Battalion, The Hawke’s Bay Regiment, stationed at Gisborne. Points are to be allotted for such things as attendance, turn-out, drill, musketry. This competition will continue throughout the training year. It is hoped to be able to make available some form of trophy to be retained temporarily by the winners. i Napier Notes. Considerable interest is being taken in all units stationed around Napier in the contemplated Social and Athletic; Club that it is hoped will be formed m the very near future. In this connection arrangements have been made to form _a Badminton Club, while other gear m the shape of a punching ball and gloves will be obtained as soon as possible. Satisfactory as this will be for a beginning, other spheres of sport are contemplated. As soon as funds permit a wrestling mat will be purchased, and single sticks and spring bayonets. As has already been instituted at Gisborne, it is hoped that on certain nights the club will arrange interesting lectures on military subjects calculated'to appeal to all ranks. It is reported that a similar club is also being formed at Hastings. Promotions. 2nd. Field Company N.Z. Engineers. To be Corporal. Dated July 25, 1932: — Lance-Corporal I. F. Calder, Lance-Cor-poral R. S. Martin, Lance-Corporal J. A. Fergusson. Appointed. Lance-Corporal. Dated July 25, Sapper T. D. J. Rowell. Central Depot N.Z. Corps of Signals. To be Corporal. Dated August 1: — Lance-Corporal J. G. Hogan, Lance-Cor-pocM <X H, Carpenter, A