NAVY LEAGUE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17291, 5 October 1916, Page 2

NAVY LEAGUE.

GENERAL COMmTTEE. The general committee of the Canterbury branch of the Navy League met last night. J. J. Dougall presided in the absence of the president, Mr A. Boyle. A letter was read, which hjid been sent to Messrs Dalgety and Co., from a Home firm, in reference to the distribution of 1070 cases of Tasmaniau apples among vessels of the Fleet. Tho communication stated that tho fruit was much appreciated and suggested that similar contributions would be welcomed from New Zealand. The chairman stated that the idea of sending fruit was admirable, but that ib would be better to wait until the autumn, when the Dominion a PP^ os would be available for export. The branch could only send money at present. The meeting concurred with the chairman's views, and the matter was left in abeyance. ' A letter was received from the Rev E. Eliot Chambers in reference to tbo work of the Navy League on educational'lines, and enclosing a cutting from the "Naval Gazette" dealing with the subject. Mr Chambers expressed the opinion that naval history was loss known in New Zealand than in.the Old Country; and suggested that an addenda might be written to be attached or incorporated in history books, having reference to naval history. The writer stated his willingness to compile a history, provided the , Education Board "did its best to obtain the sanction of the Education Department for its use, and that Professor Blunt, or some' other suitable person, should undertake to supervise the work when finished.' Mr Chambers also stated that while 'splendid work had been done in obtaining funds for the dependents of men of the Royal Navy heroes, more might be accomplished. A band of little children of Lyttelton had raised £24 Is 8d by an entertainment. During four or five weeks a few children of Lyttelton had raised £6O for the War Fund. Considerable discussion took place on tho' subject and on the motion of Mr Walton it was decided to write to tho Minister of Education suggesting that ho should consider the advisableness of having short, bright articjos on naval history published in the " School Journal." . It was resolved to leave the matter of appointing a judge in connection with the naval essays of the secondary schools in the hands of the 'committee. ,

It was resolved, subject to the president's approval, to dovoto half of the proceeds of "Navy Day," October 20, to the Naval Dependents' Fund, and half to the Navy League, which is undertaking an appeal in co-operation with the British and Foreign Sailors' Society for (1) training British lads for Britain's sea service, (2) providing facilities for naval training of sons of seamen lost in action, (3) providing congenial and healthy homes for British sailors in British and foreign ports, and (4) food and comforts for sailor prisoners of war-

The matter of entertaining tho Canterbury bluejackets who are now in tho province on leave - was considered. The chairman suggested that it would bo a graceful act to arrange a picnic, to be held, say, at Akaroa. Motorcars would be provided, and the league cottld make tho occasion. a very happy one for the bluejackets. Ifc»was d'ecided to make arrangements for the outing, and a sub-committeo was formed to make preparations. The chairman referred to the fact that there, was no representative lin Christchurch ih connection with the motor-boat patrol service.i At present no information could be obtained in the city, nor could enrolments be made.

On the chairman's motion it was decided to write to headquarters in Wellington suggesting that an ' officer should be appointed in Christchurch to supply information. It was decided to invite the Women's National Reserve, the Young Women's Christian Association, the Canterbury Women's Club, the Victoria LeapMe and lady members of the Overseas Club to assist in the "Navy Day" function, helping at stalls and in other ways. It was also agreed to hold a meeting of ladies 'on Monday to organise helpers for " Navy Day," and to suggest at that meeting that a permanent women's auxiliary committee should be formed to assist in war work and help the general committee in the league's propaganda.