PETONE NAVAL ARTILLERY VOLUNTEERS.

Hutt News, Volume 9, Issue 28, 18 December 1935, Page 5

PETONE NAVAL ARTILLERY VOLUNTEERS.

Fifty-two years ago on January 1, j 1883, the Petone Navals were formed, members from the valley having previously paraded in. Wellington. The unit i has suffered some changes in name and i is still carrying on under the name of J the 17th Battery, N.Z.A. having at one time or the other been Naval Artillery Volunteers, No, 2 Coy P.N.A.V, No 5 Coy N.Z, Garrison Artillery. Many 1 citizens of the valley will remember what an event the annual ball was and what excitement when the boys iron the White Horse Cup for rowing, the Zealandia Cup for sailing, or the Artillery Shield for the best company in New Zealand What jubliation and excitement there was in the town when' the Navals created two world records at ahQotigg t r»n<l how often have the cutters put to sea to rescue someone i$ distress. In the field the members have served with distinction and won almost every decoration for valour awarded in the British Army including a V.C., Military Cross, Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal. Many prominent citizens have served with the unit, probably the most notable from .Petone 1 ® viewpoint being Capt R, JG. Kirk, one time mayor and ths person primarily responsible for the Recreation Ground beset aside for a sports mea. Qn Saturdjay la,&t a re-union was held and many old friends came together and a, very pleasant and enjoyable hour was A r«ff call was made of absent comrade* all standing in silence and it was noticeablo how memories were stirred at the sound of the name of a comrade long siriee gone beyond. The "Ex-navals" were toasted by the members of the present unit, and in the reply members were urged to see that their sons joined up with the 17th Battery. Many stories were told many old incidents recalled and altogether the evening passed too quickly. The evening finished with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne." The following were present:— Mudgc, W., (1912/15); Golding, A. K.. (1808/ 19.11); Gjerson, E. W. H., (1911/15); Sutcliffe, L. W., (1928/ still serving); Mureland, W., (1908/14); Gamier, V., 1 (1'933/still serving); Anderson, J., (t933/still serving); McKenzie R. W. (1033/ still serving); Lambourn, R, (1924/ still serving); Cowie, G.R. (1914/ still serving); Wakefield, R., (1908/ 1914); Scott, R. J., (1935//sf.ll serving); Johnston, G., (1898/1903); May, A„ (1903/1911); Martin, W., (1508/ 1911); Hardham, H., (1910/1924); Mockeridge R.. (1914/1917); McGowau W., (1924/38); Morris, A. (1898/1903); "Shadlow, A. (1912/1918); R., (1900/24); Wolland, J. Eagles, J. (1886/1$&$) j ftiiltfe, W. (ex ! IW/12)i Jstotth, W. E., (ex IfIWWS)} Potter, F., (191.1/ •Jftlarti ' \Yi\ittwrlght, A. (1921/24); %r<ley R. (liWl/stiU serving); Trevor, (luaS/still serving); Martin C. H. (1889/1911); McMillan, A. (1908/1911) Florence, 8., (1916/18); Ritzertm, E.. (1933/ still serving); Rigby, K., (1911/ 1915); Corner, E., (1908/19); L., (1906/1915); Burd, C. Fuller, T. G., (IE&V^V.