NAVAL TRAINING

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24636, 15 July 1943, Page 2

NAVAL TRAINING

SEA CADET CORPS NEW AUCKLAND VENTURE First steps to provide navai training for Auckland boys, similar to the training offered in another field by the Air Training Corps, were taken last night when applications were received from lads between the ages of 12 and 16 for membership of the newly-formed Auckland division of the Navy League Sea Cadet Corps. There was a good response to advertisements notifying the formation of the division, and a total of 112 applications were received. Sea cadet units are already established in the three other main centres in New Zealand, and in almost every country in the British Empire. Aucklanders and the Sea j Officers of the Auckland unit are re- ' ! tired naval officers, and the corps is i officially recognised by the Navy. Mem* | bers will wear the same .uniforms as | naval ratings. The commander of the ! unit is Commander C. H. T. Palmer, | while the executive officer is Sea Cadet ! Lieutenant L. N. Foote. Sea Cadet j Paymaster Sub-Lieutenant 8. Leah is | the accountant officer. I "Aucklanders have.not previously rel quired anv incentive to go to sea," said Commander Palmer last night, in an address to prospective cadets and their parents, "but the fact that similar corps are established in other main ports in New Zealand makes it imperative that Auckland should follow suit." . . Immediate Training The corps would commence training immediately, he continued, and already an invitation had been received for an officer and a party of cadets to attend , the annual camp at Quail Island, near Lyttelton. He was determined that Auckland would send a team that would qualilv in boat-work, shooting, swimming." signal-, and practical seamanship. Commander Palmer said that when the division was properly under way there would be a sea base from which boat work would be undertaken. Every opportunity would be given to boys to qualify as'seamen, even if only a few took it up as a profession. All hands would benefit by their training, whatever their future status. The first parade of the corps will be held in the Navy League rooms next Thursday night. It was stated last night that all who enrolled must have the prior consent of a parent or guardian. Commander Palmer said that_ the first group selected would be provided with uniforms very shortly. • ! i | I ! •