SEA CADET CORPS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 97, 20 January 1944, Page 6

SEA CADET CORPS

In Camp At Lyttelton

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, January 19. • F°r the first time, the four divisions of the New Zealand Sea Cadet Corps are in camp together. The site is the training centre on Quail Island. Lyttelton Harbour, where today the 15 officers and 75 cadets were inspected by Commander T. S. Critehley, naval officer in charge. Lyttelton, and by Mr. T. M. Charters, chairman of the war council of the Navy League, Mr. A. S. Taylor, president of the Canterbury branch, and Mr. R. L. Ashley, secretary. The arrival of the official party was signalled to the “ship” before the launch arrived at the jetty and when Commander Critehley went ashore he was piped on to the “quarter deck” with full naval formality. He was met by LieutenantCommander H. B. Anderson, R.N. (ret.), who is in charge of the camp. After the general salute had been taken to' the accomuaniment of bugles and drums, officers of the Sea Cadet Corps were presented to Commander Critehley and he inspected the guard. Immediately afterward the “ship’s company” was inspected. The Sea Cadet Corps had recently received full official recognition from the Navy, Commander Critehley said, speaking to the gathering. As many cadets would be goimr on into the Navy, he felt that their training would be very valuable and that their spirit and keenness would do much to ensure successful service. Between this war and the last war. the Naw was allowed to get into a poor state and duty in any of the services was not popular. The Na.vy League Sea Cadets could help to maintain interest in the activities and traditions of the Navy. It was admitted that the Air Force saved Britain in the darkest days of the war. but without the Navy after the fall of France. Britain might have been conquered. New Zealand’s insular position made it equally dependent on naval services for its security. During the day, the visitors had an onportunity to - watch all the activities of the camp. The training centre has a group of buildings recently completely remodelled by the Navy League at a cost of £7OO.