TRAINING OF SEAMEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23482, 20 October 1939, Page 10

TRAINING OF SEAMEN

;guns on merchant ships (Received October 19, 5.5 p.m.) British tireless LONDON, Oct, IS and elsewhere, officers and petty officers of the Royal Navy are training merchant seamen in the use of guns so that they can handle defensive armaments, with" which passenger ships, cargo vessels, trading steamers and tramp vessels are being equipped. There is no lack of volunteers for training. The course lasts for a fortnight, and .. the men are taught low-angle ■ and high-angle gunnery. They, are also given lectures in trade protection and defence against submarines, mines and gas. In' the first week of the war, at one of these schools 87 officers and men wore undergoing training. Tlio figure was over 200 last week. .

AUSTRALIA'S HELP | ARMING'QF MERCHANT SHIPS Melbourne, Oct. io In a review of the naval activities of Australia' since the outbreak of war, the Minister ■•of Defence, Mr. G. A. Street, said the Royal Australian Navy had taken over more than ;50 merchant vessels, which were being used as armed merchant cruisers and minesweepers. Many merchant ships had also heen . fitted with guns. All warships that were on the reserve before the war were now in commission. |j - . Mr. Street _ announced that certific- : ates will be_ issued to men who have Y i -;wea to enlist in the defence forces, (but who are required in industry rather the front line.