THE 15TH BATTERY

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11686, 26 November 1923, Page 11

THE 15TH BATTERY

INSTRUCTION CONCLUDED AN INTERESTING GATHERING AT FORT DORSET. CITIZENS ENTERTAINED. Saturday was a gala day for the men of the 15th Battery of the N.Z.A. who for the past week have been in camp at Fort Dorset in connection with, their annual training. The officer commanding the Battery, Captain J. Abel, and his officers ancl men, entertained a gathering of some 500 citizens, which included many friends of the latter, at an “at home” at the fort. A programme consisting of rifle championship shooting, Lewis gun display, big gun shooting, together with tabloid athletics and the prizes, had been carefully arranged, and the Battery, from the commanding officer down to the gunner with his shining buttons, did his best to entertain the guests. Afternoon tea was provided, and the Artillery Band was also in attendance. The gathering was favoured with brilliant sunshine, for which one of the men remarked they "had been praying all the week," and excellent weather conditions generally. Among the many who made the trip from the city was General Sir Edward Chaytor, G.U.C., New Zealand Forces, and Lady Chaytor, the Mayor (Mr R. A. Wright, M.P.), Sir John Luke, M.P., and Lady Luke, Colonel Gard’ner, Director of Artillery, Colonel Burgess, Director of Military Training, Colonel Whyte, Commanding Wellington District, Colonel G. F. C. Campbell, formerly Coast Defence Commander, Major Jennings, commanding No. 5 Regimental District, Major Brown and Major W. H. Johnston, two former commanders of the Battery, and Major Ellis. Councillors H." D. Bennett, C. H. Chapman and Mrs McVicar were also present, as well as Mr H. Mainland, president of the Employers’ Association, and Mr P. Munt, a past-president. Captain Abel’s officers were Lieutenants Carty and Martin, Second-Lieutenants Reveirs, Palk and Hamilton, and the Adjutant (Captain W, Steven?, R.N.Z.AJ. GOOD TARGET PRACTICE. The firing was considered to be highly satisfactory, the percentage of hits being 75. As no fewer than about 70 of the 150 men in camp were new, the standard of efficiency was a matter for congratulation, and testified to the spirit of the boys and the capable manner in which they had been handled. Considerable interest was manifested in the handling of the big guns, five rounds (being fired from each to targets towed out to sea by/ the Janie Seddon. Most of the trophies competed for were not originally intended for this purpose, but have been awarded with satisfactory results for increasing the Battery's efficiency. For instance, the rifle championship belt wa3 formerly in the possession. of the Old Navals, being presented to them for competition as far back as 1881. The general standard of conduct and efficiency throughout the camp was of a particularly pleasing order. The officer in. command had not to fine any of his men during their stay at Fort Dorset. The enjoyable afternoon tea arrangements were in the hands of Mrs J. Abel, who was assisted! by Mrs H. Pollock, Mrs J. Parkins, and Mrs Warring. Sergeant Watts was in charge of the catering arrangements, and proved exceedingly capable in every way. PRESENTATION OF PRIZES. The presentation of prizes was made 'by the Mayor, who is also member for the district, and in the course of his speech', Mr Wright congratulated' the men of the battery on the splendid appearance, and the efficiency attained during their period of instruction. Many of tho men, he said, had been firing for the first time. Their shooting had been most effective, white the steadiness they had displayed during their stay in camp was. to their credit, and a matter of gratification to the officers in command. He had watched their tabloid athletics with interest, and! believed that their training would bo of lasting benefit to them- ill their civil life as well. “If ever you will he required," he proceeded, "and I hope that you will never be called upon to have to defend this country, I feel sure that you will be ready and will acquit yourselves as well as you have today.” Reference was made to war clouds that had arisen on tho horizon in other parts of the world, and the Mayor said some people thought that war would in time be inevitable. "If this should come,” he declared, "I feel certain that yon hoys will do excellent work, and will he able to keep off any enemy from the shores of this country.” INTERESTED IN THEIR WORK. Captain Abel replied on behalf of his men, stating how pleased they 'were to see such a large attendance at the gathering, ajjdl expressing gratification that weather conditions had been so pleasant. The men of the battery had shown themselves , keenly interested in their work, he declared, and were also pleased to show visitors over the camp. They had lhad a week of instruction, and he felt certain that the training would be of considerable benefit to the men, many of whom had come into camp for this purpose for the first time. He congratulated! the men very heartily on their excellent work, and said it was a matter of much satisfaction Ho their officers. It bvas also a pleasure to have the Mayor qnd other visitors present, and the speaker sincerely thanked them for their attendance, and the interest manifested in the doings of the Battery. Cheers were given by the men for the visitors. PRIZE LIST The prize list was as follows; Fairway cup (most efficiency in gunfiery crew—A I. detachment. Efficiency cup ((for quick firing gun detachment, 12 pounders)— Cl. detachment. Efficiency cup (tor best secion) —No. 1 section. _ This section comprised rangefinders, signallers, and Lewis gunners. The runners-up for the Artillery cup were No. 4 section, -which included enginedrivers and electricians. Tabloid athletics cup—C team, No. 2 section. ■ W.N.A.V. cup—A team, No. 4 section. Rifle championshipt -belt—Gunner A. O’Donnell. Runner-up, Bombardier Williamson. Best range-finder—Gunner Grimstane. trophy—Gunner Brogan. • Best Lewis gunner—Gunner C. Harrison. Best 6in gunner—Gunner C. Irvine. Best twelve pounds gunner—Gunner T. Chipper. Best electrician—Gunner Rouse. Best engine-driver—Gunner Futter. LIFE IN CAMP A BUSY WEEK. The Battery proceeded to camp on Saturday, November 17th. During the week instructional work in range finding, signalling, heavy gun work light firing guns, machine guns, engine-driv-ing, and electrical and searchlight work was carried out by the men. Picture entertainments were provided in the evenings. A dance was given by a party of Seatoun ladies at the Masonic Hall on Wednesday night. The arrangements were in the hands of Mesdames A W. Parton, Kennedy, Waring, Misses Waring (2), and Miss Hook. Captain Abel, on behalf of the Battery, thanked the ladies. On Friday a searchlight display was given. Tho big gun shoot was later carried out in the presence of Major-General Sir Edward Chaytor, General Officer Commanding, Colonel W. M. Gardner, Director of Artillery, and Colonel Burgess. Tho targets were of the Hongkong variety, representing an enemy ship. They were towed by the Janie Seddon. Two series of ten shots were fired by four different gun crews under the direction of Captain Abel. An excellent shoot was recorded.