TERRITORIAL INSPECTIONS

Evening Star, Issue 21426, 1 June 1933, Page 2

TERRITORIAL INSPECTIONS

VISIT OF GiO.G. AND DEFENCE MINISTER Last night a tom 1 of inspection of local Territorials and Cadet units was commenced by tho Minister of Defence (Hon. J. G. Cobbe) and tho general officer commanding tho New Zealand military forces (Major-general "W. L. H. Binclair-Burgess, C. 8., C.M.G., D. 5.0., N.Z.S.C.). Accompanying the Minister and the general were Lieuten-ant-colonel S C. P. Nicholls, D. 5.0., N.Z.S.C. (officer commanding the Southern Command), Major E. Puttick, D. 5.0., N.Z.S.C. (general staff), Major 0. H. Mead, D. 5.0., N.Z.S.C. (district staff officer), and Major H. D. M'Hugh, M.C., N.Z.S.C. (district staff officer, Invercargill). WITH THE MO UNTEDS. The Dunedin portion of the Otago Mounted Rifles was inspected at the Drill Hall. A general salute was given on the. arrival of the official party, and then an inspection of the unit was carried out. Later the unit carried out its ordinary training syllabus of signalling and hiachine gun training, then forming up by troops. Major-general Sinclair-Burgess expressed his appreciation of the work he had seen, and said it was unfortunate the Minister of Defence could not sec a mounted parade. He had, however, told him of the good quality of the horses in the camp, and the evident interest they were taking in their work.. The Minister of Defence said that he had heard of the men and the good quality of the horses, and was exceedingly pleased to bo able to see them on parade. The regiment had a good record of war service in Egypt, on Gallipoli, and later in France, and it was evident That tho present members were carrying on the traditions. AT CENTRAL BATTERY.

The party was met at Central Battery by Lieutenant-colonel S. G. Scoullar (brigade commander) and Major L. A. Rhodes (battery commander) and conducted to where the various portions of the unit were carrying out the syllabus of training. The guns were being controlled at fine discipline by telephonic communication from an observation post several hundred yards distant, driving drill was being carried out by the drivers, and the signallers were using Lucas lamps, while the band room was also visited.

The battery later fell in as a whole, and was inspected, after general said that he had always wanted the Minister of Defence to sec the Southern Command units, and was very pleased to be able to bring him to their parade. The speaker knew something of artillery work, and war. very pleased with the drill he had seen. He had never yet seen a poor battery, hut the Dunedin ones were very good.

The Minister of Defence said he had heard a good deal about the efficiency of the troops in the Southern Command. The battery was almost up to full establishment, and one could not but notice the efficiency of the men. He paid tribute to the obvious keenness of the officers and men. The Minister then handed to Major Rhodes the 3rd New Zealand Field Bridagc signalling trophy, which had been won by the 12th Battery for .the second time in succession.

Mpjor Rbpdes expressed the appreciation of the officers and men of the battery to' the Minister for visiting them, and called for three cheers, which were given with gusto. TO-NIGHT’S PARADES.

This evening the Ist Battalion; the Otago Begiment, will be inspected at the Brill Hall at 7.30 o’clock, to which function an invitation-to the public is extended, and the 14th (Medium) Battery at Central Battery at 8.15 o’clock.