THE DEFENCE FORCES

Evening Star, Issue 21091, 2 May 1932, Page 2

THE DEFENCE FORCES

MOTES OH TRAINING

• [By Sam Browns.]

THE R.N.V.R. Nautical training was carried out by No 2 Sub-division at its last weeldv parade. Lectures on minesweeping and seamanship were given by Lieut.-com-mander A. B. Welch and Lieut. J. D. Hudson, the remainder' receiving <>-unnery and knotting and splicing instruction. Sub.-lieutenant J. H. Seclyo has returned from H.M.S. Diomede and resumed training. No. 1 Sub-division paraded on Thursday, April 28, a full, muster of the sub-division being present. the syllabus, as carried out last week, was resumed, classes being formed as follows; —Navigation, the commanding officer; signalling, Sub-lieutenant C. Lindsay, R.N.V.R.; minesweeping, Lieutenant A. C. Swanson, R.N.V.R.; seamanship, practical. Lieutenant R. G. Roberts, R.N.V.R.; ordinary seaman training class. Lieutenant - commander F. Fraser, R.N.V.R.; advanced gunnery class, the instructor. The keenness of the various classes shows an appreciation of the subjects taught, and general improvement of the standard of efficiency is in evidence. . The weekly practice of the R.N.V.R. Miniature Rifle Club was hold on Tuesday, April 26, at divisional headquarters, eighteen members attending. There was a high grade of shooting all round, which made it difficult to select the team to fire the match of the season on Monday, May 2. at Brydone Hall.

Rear-admiral Geoffrey Black, C. 8., D. 5.0., late officer commanding the New Zealand station, has sent the following message to the R.N.V.R.:— “ On relinquishing command of the New Zealand Station, I wish to express to commanding officers, officers, and men of all units under my command my thanks and appreciation for the loyal service which they have always given me. The New Zealand Squadron have established a high reputation in New Zealand waters and in the Pacific Islands, and the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Division have shown a keenness and'developed a standard of efficiency which deserves the highest praise. I feel confident that in the future these standards will be maintained.” THE OTAGO REGIMENT. The examination of signallers for the crossed flags badge has now been completed, and Signaller A. J. Smeaton qualified for the distinction. Procedure is evidently the weak point according to the paper, only one man passing this test. Though training for the year has now been concluded for A Company, Secondlieutenant Gladwin will still conduct a class, in general infantry training on Wednesdays, while on Thursdays Lieutenant Small will .hold a class foi 1 Lewis gunners. D (M.G.) Company will not have a break in the training, but will carry on right through the year. This company parades fortnightly and a voluntary parade is held on. alternate Tuesdays of the week in which there is no parade, when more advanced work is carried out. CADET COURSE. Three days’ continuous training will be carried out by the Christian Brothers’ High School Cadet unit on -May 4,5, and 6 at the Drill Hall. The course, which will consist mainly of weapon training, will be under the command of Lieutenant A. P. M'Cormack. KING’S BIRTHDAY PARADE. In connection with the “ Come to Dunedin. Week,” it is proposed to bold a parade of Territorials on the morning of the King’s Birthday, June 3. The tentative arrangements in outline are as follow:—Territorial units will parade at the Oval at 10 a.m. in review order, and on the arrival of the reviewing officer will advance in review order, halt, and give the general salute. This will be followed by a Royal salute of twenty-one guns, fired by the artillery and a feu do ioie, after ’ which tho parade -will march past a saluting base. It is expected that the parade will be concluded by 11.30 a.m., though the detailed arrangements have not yet been completed. This should make a spectacular display of an unusual description, in addition to providing an entertainment for the public.