AT THE FORTS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXV, Issue 27, 25 February 1913, Page 7

AT THE FORTS

GOOD SHOOTING, The programme of the Wellington Division of Garrison Artillery during the recent camps was "Gunnery, gunnery, funnery," The first day (Saturday) was evoted to practice with tubes and aiming rifles, by the use of, which tho gun-layers were thoroughly tested. On Sunday, in accordance with orders, no firing took place. On Monday and Tuesday every battery, from 6-inch to 6pounder,, engaged in^ elementary service ott instructional service practice in slow time, from four to six rounds being fired from each gun. During the intervals between firing the various ranks were taken through their annual examinations for classification, and the points awarded determine the allotment of badges for gun-laying, range-finding, gunnery, signalling, electrician, and engine-driving duties. These examinations are of an exhaustive nature, partly theoretical but largely practical; and only those who have taken good advantage of the weekly instruction during the year can hope to make a favourable showing. Wednesday was spent in a rehearsal of th» battle practice laid down for Friday. Each battery fired in succession a full series with service ammunition at a target manoeuvred to represent a hostile vessel running past all the forts. On Thursday each company took its annual service practice, firing a full series at an ordinary moving target with service ammunition. Casualties in the gun detachments were made by the umpires, and the firing was carried out as far as possible under service conditions. Upon the points gained for effect of fire, drill, discipline, and time in Thursday's firing, each company will be classified us first, second, third, or no class, in shooting. Upon the points awarded at the examination of all ranks, taken in conjunction with the figure of merit for shooting, each company will be graded as A, B, C, or "not graded." A company graded' "A" with firstclass in shooting is entitled to a special badge for the year, to bo worn by every N.C.O. and man. The grading and classification will occupy the Diretcor of Ordnance during, the next few weeks, and the results will not be known for some time. On Friday, the programme, so carefully rehearsed on Wednesday, was carried out in quick time before the G.0.C., who wag attended by tlio O.C. District and tho Coast Defence Commander, with whom he visited each fort. By this time tho gunners had got into something like form, and the G.O.C, expressed himself as highly satisfied with what he had seen. The week was a strenuous time f or^ all ranks, but the results are entirely satisfactory. , There is nothing better than daily firing to bring efficiency and arouse keenneas in everym an in the force. Searchtights were in operation during tho hours of darkness nightly throughout camp. No night firing took place this ye.it 1 owing to local difficulties with regard to patrol of the water area) but, so far as the searchlight work is ( concerned, there woald have been nothing to prevent it. It may be added that the camp wad remarkably freo from anything but nrinOr mishaps in the way of accident, aod from anything but minor offences— and those woro vei?y fow—in the matter of ; discipline.

Tendei* are invited /"or suppli«» for the training-ship Amokura.