THE GOOD SHIP WAKAKURA

Evening Star, Issue 21317, 23 January 1933, Page 5

THE GOOD SHIP WAKAKURA

MEMBERS OF THE R.H.V.R. TAKE TO THE SEA 1., —— A WEEK'S TRAINING AT AKAROA LESSONS IN GUNNERY. SEAMANSHIP. AND MINE SWEEPING Each year the members of the Royal Naval • Volunteer Reserve are given a •week’s training on the mine-sweeper H.M.S. Wakakura, which makes Akaroa her - headquarters and training ground. This year’s second draft, consisting of fifteen ratings under the charge of Lieutenant-commander Jr. l*. Connollv, R.N.Y.R., embarked on the ship last Saturday morning, and in an atmosphere of seriousness, intermingled with good-natured banter, prepared v ior the trip up the coast. After the Wakakura had passed the Heads at about 3 p.m. the Reservists were told off into watches and allotted their periods for taking the wheel and |6r watch-keepihg. The sea was smooth, but.a slight swell had a rather .uncomfortable effect, on those of the, Reservists whose stomachs were not attuned, to the life on the ocean wave, and there was a general__feelmg or satisfaction when Akaroa Heads were sighted at about 7 a.m. on Sunday morning. However, mal-de-mer is an experience which • often comes to the best of sailors, and there is no doubt that had the . trip been a little longer the sturdy ratings would have overcome their disabilities. The. training course at Akaroa consisted, of gunnery, seamanship, minesweeping, and all other duties, the study of which goes to make a sailor. .Under the instruction of the ship’s competent officers, the Reservists obtained all the knowledge and experience which could possibly have been instilled into them in the short time available. Great progress was made in the art of leaving the lead, working the sounding machine, lowering and hoisting the boats, manipulating the sweep, and •providing parties for various duties. All the new hands eventually became quite domesticated, and thought nothing of preparing their own meals.' The day’s work started at 6 a.m., and after scrubbing decks and general cleaning, such as polishing brass and tidying up the quarters, the men went to breakfast at 8 o’clock. Divisions and physical exercises took place at 9 a.m., after which the ratings were told otr ■. to their different lectures _ and classes, being thus engaged till dinner time. In the afternoon boat pulling, sailing, knotting, and splicing lessons were held, this programme lasting until the tea hour. In the evening most of the time was spent in fishing, reading, or writing letters to relatives, friends, and sweethearts. An exciting break in the day was the arrival of the mail, including the daily papers, which, owing to news of the cricket test in Australia, created much friendly argument between the supporters of the respective sides.

The whole training period was spent at anchor in Akaroa Harbour, with the exception of a short trip down towards the Heads for target practice in f unnery. The only other gun practice eld during the cruise was staged outaide the Otago Heads on the homeward bound voyage, when one man fired full calibre to complete his course and, qualify as a gun-layer. Ideal weather conditions were experienced throughout the trip and the Reservists were able to train in comfort. Those who were sleeping in hammocks chose, to follow up the openair life by slinging them on deck at night. All returned to Dunedin suntanned and fit, with nothing but praise 'for-the ship’s company and appreciation of the chance that had been given them to assimilate nautical lore. H.M.S. Wakakura arrived back at the Rattray street wharf yesterday afternoon at about 12.45. She will remain in port till next Saturday, when she will start on a cruise with the third draft of Dunedin R.N.V.R. ratings. Apart from the health-giving properties of a week on the ship, there is no doubt that, if ever,there is a need for coast defence, the valuable training being received by the members of the R.N.V.R. will prove an asset to the country;