BIG GUN DRILL.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 104, 29 October 1909, Page 7

BIG GUN DRILL.

PETONE NAVALS IN CAMP. INSPECTION BY COLONEL ROBIN. The Petone Navals, who are in camp at Fort Kelburne, under Captain Ellis, for theiii. annual sixteen dayb' training course directed to a thorough acquirement of the art of working the big guns, are making satisfactory progress. Last night they were inspected, at their camp, by Colonel Robin, Chief of the General btalt, who was accompanied by Colonel Ckaytor, Colonel James Allen, M.P. (commanding the Otago Division Garrison Artillery Volunteers), Colonel Campbell, Major Courtney, Captain Richardson, and Captain Mickle. All the various branches of the work being carried and were closely inspected by Colonel Robin, who also questioned the various details on their particular duties. He expressed himself as well satisfied with the efficiency of the company, and particularly the marked progress of the recruits. 'ihe various reliefs of gun detachments were drilled on the guns, and the skill with which they handled the various parts of the intricate mechanism revealed a high standard of training which should produce good results when the company carried out its shooting next week. The signallers were also inspected and tested in transmitting messages around the harboui, from various stations several miles apart — a system which is to be carried out by ihe other corps next week. The businesslike manner in which the signallers did their work was favourably commented on. At the conclusion of the parade Colonel Robin addressed the company, and expressed his pleasure at the continued keenness and efficiency of the corps. He stated that the volunteer force was now stronger than it had ever been in the .history of the Dominion, the total strength being over 21,000. The company will carry out its annual practice during the early mornings of next week, when the reverberations of gun firing will perhaps awaken, and help to remind many a young man that the men behind those guns are learning to defend their home and country.