DEFENCE NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18730, 9 June 1924, Page 5

DEFENCE NOTES.

87 RAitEOD.

The congratulations o'f the GovernorGeneral, Lord Jellicoe, on the steadiness of the men at the King's Birthday Parade are indeed gratifying. Unit commanders and instructors will feel repaid in a measure for the efforts they have put forth, for which in the past there was but a meagre encouragement.

The marching on the King's BirthdayParade, even among the secondary schools units, was inclined to mediocrity, although some of the artillery units were particularly smart, notably the 3rd and 4th Batteries, N.Z.A. Tho absence of officers in some of the cadet units was noticeable, two companies having no commissioned officer on parade, ana another only one.

Major P. B. Henderson, commandant of Trentham Camp, has forwarded to the writer a complete set of photographs of the "battle practice target" in use at Trentham. Accompanying the photographs Major Henderson has sent_ the story of the battle practice, a fascinating narrative. If musketry courses are held at Trentham during the next military year, tho quota from tho Northern Command should be more than filled several times over. Similar ranges are to be constructed in Auckland and Christchurch very shortly.

; Parades of all units have now ceased until further not:' e. Probably activities will recommence about the first week in July.

The Technical College battalion is fortunate in having such a keen and efficient commander in Major O'Shaunnessy. The steadiness of the boys on a recent Wednesday afternooin was exceptionally good, and the marching excellent. The organisation of the battalion is thorough, and the instructors keen and efficient, being ably supported by StaffSergeant Major Innes, who not only knows his work, but has the happy knack of imparting instruction in such manner that the trainees are always in good humour.

The staff will bo extremely busy for the next month with postings from the cadets to territorial units. The amount of clerical work the staff-sergeant majors have to handle is enormous, and as the majority are also instructing artisan units several nights weekly, the staffsergeant major's day is a full one. Despite these handicaps, their enthusiasm and patience with the boys is indeed commendable.

The 36th B. Company (Takapuna) senior cadets held their annual social and dance last Tuesday. The hall was suitably decorated with bunting. The evening was spent in dancing and a specially enjoyable item was contributed by the Takapuna Male Trio, who were heard to advantage in several excellent songs.

The record of Captain E. E. Willougliby T.D., who is resigning command of the 34th company senior cadets, is one of which any soldier might well be proud, Captain Willoughby probably holds the longest record for service of any officer in New Zealand.