DEFENCE FORCES.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 20, 25 January 1911, Page 3

DEFENCE FORCES.

PETONE NAVALS. The Commandant paid a visit to Fort Kelburne, Ngahauranga, last night, and inspected No. 2 Company, Wellington Garrison Artillery Division (Petone Navals). There was a full muster of the corps, under Captain Bevan and Lieuts. Hollis and Andrew. Two series in big gun practice having been got off in quick time, the Commandant addressed the men. This, he said, was the first garrison artillery unit he had inspected ia his official capacity in the Dominion. He had heard of the Petone Navals before he came to New Zealand, and was very glad to have the pleasure of witnessing them at work. He was highly pleased with the efficiency, general bearing, and appearance of all raiks, and he complimented the corps on ite high traditions. Major-General Godley went on to point out that under tie new scheme of organisation it would be impossible for them to continue to wear the naval uniform, though he hoped the corps would always be known as the Petone Navals. Under the previous organisation the New Zealand forces had been rather conspicuous by reason of the miscellaneous pattern of uniform adopted by different companies, and they could very well understand that thk could not endure under a remodelled scheme. He desired them to believe that he would be the last man to interfere with their tradition, but changes of the kind -were inevitable.