Page 8 Advertisements Column 8

Evening Post, Volume CI, Issue 32, 7 February 1921, Page 8

The scheme for a naval training school at Sumner, which was originated before the war by Professor Blunt, was discussed by the General Committee of the Canterbury branch of the Navy League vat a meeting last Thursday evening, reports the Christchurch Press. Mr. H. J. Marriner (chairman) stated that the probable cost of the school, at which week-end instruction would be given, was estimated at £1000 a year. He had discussed the scheme with the Minister of. Defence (the Hon. Sir Heaton Rhodes), who had been sympathic. It was proposed to ask the' Government for a £- for-£ subsidy, which would leave about, £500 a year to be raised by the league. The cost of a building and equipment would 'be about £1800. The equipment proposed would include^two 26ft boats, convertible for sailing, and a fully : rigged mast on shore. A permanent instructor would be required to sign on for three years. It was proposed to accept,boys at the a£e of 13. In the courses of dis.eussioh it was stated that , the purpose was to give boys a tasto for life in the Navy. The syllabus would be laid down by the Government's Naval Adviser. ' More definite plans would be made when the organisation of the New Zealand Navy unit was known. On the suggestion of Mr. C. K. Bevan Brown it was resolved to ask the Minister of Defence to arrange, if possibly for a visit to New Zealand of the Australian Navy.