NEW ZEALAND NAVY

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 45, 21 August 1924, Page 13

NEW ZEALAND NAVY

TRAINING OF RATINGS.

In his annual report upon the New Zealand Naval Forces1, Commodore Bea] expresses the opinion that the best procedure in regard to naval ratings who are entered m New Zealand is for them to undergo preliminary training locally, and then to send to England all who can. be recommended for specialist courses. This method possessed many advantages; it ensured that the men received up-to-date training as taught in accordance with the latest ideas obtaining m the British fleet and at the schools^ at Home; it enabled them to gain acquaintance with all phases of naval life; while the contact and comradeship with petty officers and men of the Fleet, m Home.waters and at the schools enabled them to absorb the traditions and.esprit de corps of the British Navy At first sight it might appear that the cost entailed by sending men to England was an extravagance, but the expense was small in comparison to .th ? alternative of establishing and maintaining schools of instruction in New Zealand; and even were the latter course adopted, the instruction imparted could not compare with that which could be given m England. : - The entries in the New Zealand Royal A aval Reserve, the report states, have been disappointing, but it is hoped they will increase. It is proposed to begin this year the entry o f o ffi cers into f h Royal Naval Reserve.