THE R.N.V.R.

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 57, 17 September 1928, Page 11

THE R.N.V.R.

WELLINGTON DIVISION SPLENDID PROGRESS It is only a few months since the Wellington Division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve came into being, but cluring that time it has "caught on" so much that a second company is about to be formed. The interest of its members may be gauged from the fact that the average attendance for the last five months has been 56 out of a possible 60 at drills or parades two nights a week. The Wellington Division has been fortunate in securing the top floor of the National Dairy Association Building for shore training. This is central, quite near Lambton Station, and, with its 5000 square feet of flat roof space, provides fine accommodation. The main room itself is fitted up in naval style; as one enters there is the quarter deck to be saluted, and in one corner is a dangerous looking 4-inch gun. There is ample floor space for rifle and squad drill and for giving instruction in the many things that must be known by an efficient naval reservist, including knotting and splicing, Lewis and 4-inch gun drill, mine-sweep-ing, and navigation. On the same floor are offices, a lecture-room, and ward and storerooms. The roof, with its flood lighting, enables parades to be held . out of doors at night except in wet weather. The enthusiasm of the commanding officer, Commander W. Olphert, D.5.0., D.S.C., R.D., 8.N.V.R., is reflected in the other officers and in all ranks. Although primarily intended for local de.fence, the Reserve may, if the necessity should arise, be called upon for service in any part of the world. The training that the reservists receive will enable them to take their part in minesweeping or similar nautical operations. This training is more arduous than that in Territorial units, and is not likely to appeal to the shirker. The true Volunteer spirit is in the Reserve: no one need join. Those who do are excused military service, but by exchanging military for naval service, there is no gain in the way of easier training. Yet, and it speaks well for the young manhood of the city, a big majority of the reservists are young men who have just "become of.Territorial age. In each year they will be required to put in 36 night drills, six half-day parades, and at least seven days' sea-going training on one of H.M.'ships. When H.M.S. Diinedin is in Wellington next month the public will have the opportunity of seeing the Reserve take part in a church parade and of judging for themselves the smartness and efficiency already achieved by the Wellington Division.