DEFENCE SERVICES

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 34, 3 November 1934, Page 24

DEFENCE SERVICES

News of Rank and File ON PARADE AND OFF Central Coast Artillery (By ' Liaison.”) During Labour Day week-end the three batteries of the Central Coast Artillery Group were in camp, the 15th Coast Battery at Fort Dor.-sct, and the two Medium Batteries, the 17th and 19th, at Trentham. For once the weather was perfect. As a result, training was carried on in circumstances which were pleasant to all ranks, and considerable progress was marie. In addition to the usual instruction in gun drill, signalling and range-finding, the men of the coast battery were given an opportunity to gain some proficiency in handling boats. During the 'camp crews were taken out on the harbour by Captain 'Williamson anti Lieut. J. Hall-Kenney, and given an insight into the proper method of pulling a cutter. There was much enthusiasm displayed by ibe several crews, and all are looking forward to the time when the battery will have its own boats. IVhcn this eventuates, it is intended to institute a series of races, both for members of the Coast Battery and for those who belong to the other units of the group. The large concrete boathouse which the loth Battery is haring built at Fort Dorset is almost completed. The following promotions are published:—To be Bombardier. Lance Bombardier D. Gibson and Gunner J. W. Doyland.

Gisborne Area. During People's Day at the annual, show of the Poverty Buy A. and. P. Association at Gisborne on October 2-1, two events were held for members of. the Wellington East Coast Mounted Rifles. They resulted: —Best turned-out trooper: Tpr. P. W. Murphy, No. 3 Troop. ■_ A Squadron. Be«?t,troop horse: Ist. L/Cpl* C. M. Monckton, No. 3 Troop, A Squad: ron; 2nd, Tpr. B. W. McKenzie, No. 1 Troop. A Sqn.; 3rd, L/Cpl. T. F. Haisman. No. 3 Troop, A sqn.; highly commended. L/Sgt. A. J. Mclntosh, No, 1 Troop, A Sqn. The week-end bivouac of the Dannevirke detachment of First Hawke's Bay, under Captain B. W. Cocker, M.M., held last week-end ■ (October 27-2 S), proved very successful. On the first afternoon and evening showery weather was experienced, but did not seriously interfere with tile training. All ranks showed a great interest in their work, especially in the night operations, wliieb'-took the form of night patrols. Rifle bombing and bayonet training added interest to the programme. The firing of the annual rifle course at Danncvirke during the current year has resulted, so far, in the following ing as marksmen: —Sgt. I. D. Hendy, 125 points; Pte. F. Cushing. 122; Sgt. W. Ellingham, ill; I’te. A. F. Carr. 110. The officers, n.c.o's arid men of No. 1 Troop. “B” Squadron, W.E.C.M.R.. and No. 10 platoon. “C” company. First Hawke's Bay. are deserving of congratulation on the success of the military ball held at Dannevirke last week. From the grand march to the last wnllz proceedings went with a swing, anti all present seemed thoro>rhly to enjoy the function. The'committee had worked hard, and nil ranks were particularly grateful to the lady ' members of tlie committee. ( Thqir efforts wore very largely responsible for tlie success of the evening.

New Pljinoufh Area. Last week-end the Patea platoon held a successful' bivouac at tlie Domain at Pat'ea. The bivouac was under the command of Lieut. R. W. Iladdow, D.C.M., and over -20 members of the platoon attended, .Major L. M. Fairbrother and Captain F. L.Hunt, N.Z.S.C., visited the .bivotJac. On j the Sunday afternoon a large number of the Palea residents watched with great interest the ceremonial drill in connection with guard mounting. This work was greatly assisted by the Patea Bratts Band, which co-operated with the Patea platoon in the Ceremonial Drill.

. This week-end (November 3 and 4), the Ilawera platoons are to bold their bivouac, at Wahi Beach. Advice has been received that the line and coloured drawings of the new King’s and Regimental Colours for the Taranaki Regiment hare been approved, and that tenders for the supply of the colours have been received by the High Commissioner in London. The total cost will lie in the vicinity of £l6O. Approximately half this amount is held by the colours committee.'

Advice has been received that the following officers of the, Taranaki regiment have passed their promotion examination:—Major A. -W. White (tactical fitness), Lieut. R. W. Iladdow, D.t .M., Lieut. ,T. G. C. Loach, Lieut. S. F. Hartnell, Lieut. R. C. Wilson. ■ ■