NAVAL RESERVISTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20947, 10 August 1931, Page 10

NAVAL RESERVISTS.

TRAINING IN SEAMANSHIP. RETURN OF FIRST PARTY. -After a week of practical sea-training, the first party of ratings from the Auckland Division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve to take this year's course, disembarked from tlie training ship Wakakura at Prince's Wharf on Saturday morning, and a second party left for the Hauraki Gulf, in which the small minesweeper cruises during tho training periods. Each party consists of 16 ratings whose ages range from 17 or 18 to over 23, and who are drawn from all ranks and occupations. While on their week's cruise in the gulf, they practically run the ship, although most of their duties naturally are carried out under supervision. The reservists who returned on Saturday were given more experience than thej had expected, for tho Wakakura, which had proceeded to Waiwera a week ago on Saturday ran into the teeth of a heavy galo next day, whilo making for the Great Barrier. Seas swept the deck and a most unpleasant day was spent by all hands. After tho vessel had breasted the storm for some hours, Captain T. E. Brooker was forced to turn and make for Martin's Bay, where tho Wakakura lay for tho night. The next morning conditions were better and the usual courses in seamanship were given. The Wakakura returned to Devonport on Tuesday and on Wednesday went out beyond Tiri whore minesweeping operations were carried out. Thursday was dovoted to gunnery and more minesweeping, and on Friday training in the use of tho full-calibre gun was given. Tho vessel • returned to Devonport that evening and on Saturday morning steamed over to Prince's Wharf where tho ratings were disembraked. A similar course of training will be followed with all the parties. Each party is in the charge of one or two reserve officers. Sub-Lieutenant O. G. Palmer was in charge of the first party and Lieutenant E. W. Garner is in charge of the party at present training in the gulf. Tho itinerary of the Wakakura is not fixed but depends on weather and other conditions. Seven other parties will be taken out until all officers and ratings of the Auckland division have completed their annual sea training.