SERVICE NOTES. (By "Scout.")

Evening Post, Volume LXXV, Issue 32, 7 February 1908, Page 2

SERVICE NOTES. (By "Scout.")

Tho Post and Telegraph Rifles, Wellington, havo I just concluded a series of examinations in signalling. Thpso am tho first examinations in this branch of fiold work that the company has had. Them are no telegraphists in the section of ifio company that devotes itself to signalling, for tho regular telegraphists find their ordinary work sufficient unto them. In response to a question put by "Scout," tho instructor of the company (Sergfc. Hillbcrt) said he attributed the great success of the signallers (as proved by the examination results) to the gTeat interest shown and tho support given to them by, the officers and non-come, of the company. It was, ho added, quite right to mention that interest was shown in them by enthusiasts outside of the comEany. Signalling is a very necessary ranch of work in times of aotivo service, and the fact is -recognised by the authorities in their grant of an extra shilling per clay to signallers. The men of tho Post and Telegraph Rifles who havo passed this examination are- now entitled to a personal payment of £1 and to receive a signaller's badge. Two men of the company (Privatos Williamson and Eagles) acted as astislant instructors, and there i« no doubt that their assistance contributed greatly to the euccess achieved. Too much praiso cannot ho given to Lieu I. Harron, who is in charge of the signalling eection, for tho aJEiEtanca and encouragement ho has given, 'and the secretaries of the company, too, have had much to do with its general success. Tha present secretary in 001.-Sergt. Boston, who succeeded Lieut. Roache, another energetic worker. There is sv satisfactory feeling of esprit d© corps amongst tho members. They are compelled by the regulations of their office to servo three years in tho corpe, but the great bulk of them remain members long after the compulsory period expires Thi/ tactful manner in which Captain Morris and his three lieutenants conduct tho company's affairs are partly usponsible for this record. In rifle s-hooting, signalling, and drill the company is absolutely first-class. Ono defect, howover, exists; and that is the burden of antiquated appliances in the signalling outfit of tho various companies that operato these means of communication. Some encouragement should be given to inventors to improve the processes now followed. No doubt some eyslem of wirolew telegraphy will be mado to supersede the present methods when the iwxt great war takes place. Ac an indication of the relative valtio of tho syetcmß now in use the- following estimates will -bo found of special interest :— A flag can bo read for five to seven miles. A lamp can be read for ten to twelve miles. ' \ A holiograph, in places where clear atmospheres prevail (such as India) can be read ninety nvilos away, when conditions are most favourable. It is intended to persevere with the out side drill of the Post and Telegraph Rifles, to whioh ond tho syllabus for this year will include range finding and map reading. A competition, was fixed for last night (Friday) between men of the signalling section, to decide possession of three trophies presented to tho section by tho men of the letter carrier service. Following is a table- which shows tho results of tho examinations of signallers recently concluded: — Test group Morse Small flag. Mks. Pvt. G. B. Williamson (no mistakes) *ICO t/1' t w £ asles - {no m ist »kes) 100 £vt. J. Vr. lJrabyn ... (no mistakes) 100 rvb H. A. Hamilton ... (one mistake) 98.7 v "TV AAA A McCurcJ y (ono mistake) 98.7 £x J< - _y aaiW o . — (one mistake) 89.7 v i w R ?J he £ OT £ - (° ne mistake) 90.7 i vt " tV--,-, M - Rrebs "• (onomiEtako 98.7 ni Tr \ 9 3Cmbs - (one mistake) 98.7 Ivt. il. A. Lamb ... (ono mistake) ' 98.7 £it. A. Lcecien .. (two mistakes) 97.4 irvt. ii,. h. Mortimer (four mistakes 85 Tho time cccutiied in sending -was in every care under the standard ' laid down: viz., four words per minute. > A "lamp test"' (colJeofcive), by means of SDivico messages vras.made, tvrwve men of tho company forming tho group tested. " l\yo messages were serit. The first comprised 240 letters,' and the timo occupied in Bending it was eleven minutes. Five miatakes were recorded. Tho examiner floret . E. H Sa-wlo, of the- Royal New Zealand Artillery) reports on this performance that it. was one for '"opening up communications. It was rapid and accurate ; tending good." The second mossage, pf 150 letters, wa3 sent in seven minutee, and three mistakes were made The examiner s report says that the rceeeage was „ for obtaining corrections. Rapid SS 8 ?*? 1 ? 1 ?.;! Excfll J en(i -" * fc ** father stated that "the squad was questioned verbally and showed a- very good knowledge of the general flrii'.ciplcs ol signalling and their application in tho fielS. ■ Several o| tlio men were examined in setting up and nbgmng the heliograph, and th» i a! ™ i thol ' ou £ h g ra sn of the work. At Mahanga Bay, tho Royal Now Zealand Aritillory. Roy&l New Zealand Engineers, Jvo. 1 Company Gftrrison Artillery Volunteers (Wellingtoa Nav&k) and the Iso. S Company (Electric Light section of the Drv-iaional Artillery} are now in camp to undergo the annual sixteen days' course of training in Xort duties