NAVAL AND MILITARY NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21578, 25 February 1932, Page 2

NAVAL AND MILITARY NOTES

FROM MESS DECK, PARADE GROUND, AND RIFLE RANGE By Bull's-eye. OTAGO DIVISION R.N.V.R. (N.Z.D.) Whalers’ Race The whalers of the division were manned by naval reservists, and pulled against the racing crews of rl.M.i.. Veronica over a mile course on Monday evening. Though beaten by a number ot lengths by H.M.S. Veronica’s crew, toe Naval Reservists gave proof of having good possibilities in pulling races with further training. A Successful Dance On Wednesday evening last a very successful dance was held at divisional headquarters, Tewsley street. A large number of the ships’ companies from H.M.S. Veronica and Wakakura were present. This was the first dance to be held this year. ARTILLERY NOTES. 14th Medium Battery The weekly parade of the battery was held on Monday. The preparations for the annual bivouac are in full swing, and the men were issued with haversacks and water bottles. The number of ihen who have notified that they will attend annual bivouac has surpassed all expectations, and the muster is likely to be in the vicinity of 70. The battery will entrain on Monday, February 29, at 7.30 for Matarae, returning to Dunedin on Saturday, March 5. The following men have passed the gun-layers’ test: —Bombardier Wilson, A. B.; Bombardier Savage, A.; Bombardier Markham, H.; Lance-bombardier Leary, H. C.; Gunner Froud, D. A.; Lancebombardier Griffiths, E.; Gunner Bond, A. Gunner Rosenbrock, F.; Gunner Kerr, D. The following have been awarded gunlayers’ badges:—Bombardier Wilson, A. B. first: Gunner Bond, A., second; Lancebombardier Leary, H. C., third; Bombardier Savage, W. A., fourth. The Layers Cup for the year has been awarded to Bombardier Wilson, A. 8., who put up the remarkable record of only dropping three marks in 120. The following have passed the signallers’ test, and have been awarded signallers badges:—Sergeant Grant, A. F.; Bombardier Grainger, E.; Signaller Borthwick, G.,; Signaller Douglas, R. The congratulations of the battei’y are extended to all gun-layers and signallers who were successful in passing the tests. THE OTAGO REGIMENT. D (Machine Gun) Company As part of the Otago Regiment, D (machine gun) Company moved into bivouac at Tahuna Park on Monday morning at 9.30. Such was the enthusiasm of all ranks in camp that by lunch time the tents and marquee, etc., were erected, and all that remained to be done after lunch was to issue blankets and camp gear and the arranging of tent groups. This work was soon completed, and the men were free for the rest of the afternoon. Rather than remain idle , round the camp, the machine-gunners displayed their usual keenness by man-handling their limbers across to their parade ground, where, under the capable intruction of Captain J. J, Kernohan and Sergeant-major R. Graham (both ex-servicemen), they soon learned the packing of guns and gear on the limbers. Much valuable work was done on Tuesday in familiarising the men, especially the new recruits, with the handling of the guns. ’ Working _in concert with the transport section, the machine-gunners swung into action from the limbers with barely a hitch. This speaks volumes for the work the machinegun officers are putting in with their company. Every officer is keen to teach and every man is keen to learn. Such a spirit of co-operation is calculated to-turn out first-class gunners. In Bivouac At the sounding of “Lights out’’ at 11 p.m. on Monday, the camp arrangements were complete, and all ranks were comfortably settled for the night. Reveille sounded at 6 a.m. and, favoured with a delightful morning, the work commenced with a will at 8.30. Each company was busy yesterday morning on its own parade ground,_ while the fatigue party was rapidly cleaning up the site and giving the grounds the appearance of an old-established camp. OTAGO UNIVERSITY MEDICAL COMPANY. Annual Field Training -In preparation for its annual field training the Otago University Medical Company will parade at the Drill Hall on Saturday next at 9.30 a.m. On Monday morning the unit will leave for Matarae, where it will go under canvas till the following Saturday. The training during that period will include platoon drill, training in sanitation, medical equipment, army medical organisation, topography, stretcher drill, first-aid instruction, and training in the prevention of disease. Towards the close of the camp gas protection and military organisation will be dealt with, and Friday will be devoted to a tactical scheme to be set by command headquarters. The unit will break camp and return to Dunedin on Saturday. Colonel C, B. Hercus, D. 5.0., 0.8. E., M.D., B.D.Sc., will be in command of the camp. DEFENCE RIFLE CLUBS. N.R.A. Journal The following excellent aspect of rifle shooting is culled from the latest number of the N.R.A. Journal;—“There is at present a tendency in some quarters to veil the real purpose of rifle shooting, and to speak of it purely as a sport. The reason for this is so obvious as to require no explanation. No one who went through the last war desires another. Armaments cost money, and the sentimentality of the militant pacifist is based on logic. We cannot afford, nor do we desire, vast expenditure on armaments. Undoubtedly the time will come when rifle shooting will be as purely a sport as is archery at the present time, but meanwhile a knowledge of. rifle shooting, combined with the discipline of mind and body necessary to the attainment ot reasonable efficiency upon the range, is a cheap and sure insurance against aggression. The National Rifle Association and the clubs gathered under its wing do stand for something really worth while, both in precept and in practice. Lot us, therefore, not be too humble. Let ue insist on our past, our present, and our future. Our potential value to the nation is great, and we should be supported by at least the goodwill ,of our fellow-citizens.” Good Shooting

Mention was made in last week’s notes of the 103 (ex 105) made by Rifleman R. Gillick, of the Kiwi Defence Rifle Glub. It is only fair to chronicle here that Rifleman J. Judson, a B Grade shot of the same club, made the very good score of 98. Considering that this is his second year at the rifle range, his score is an exceptional one. All things being equal it compares very favourably with Rifleman R. Gillick’s. A score of 98 in a three-range match is one that commands the envy of many an “old hand,” and for a beginner to record that tally says much for his prowess. Hutt Valley Rifle Association

Just to hand is a programme of the Hutt Valley Rifle Association’s initial rifle meeting, to be held at Trentham on March 7 and 8 (immediately following the N.R.A. meeting). The programme is based on 60 entries, and the total entrance fee is £5 10s. It contains five matches (excluding a Service Match and the Masefield Aggregate), the Hutt Valley Championship, and a Champion Teams’ Match, the entrance fee for the latter being extra. There are 19 prizes in each match (one at £B, one at £6, one at £4, two at £2, and 14 at £1). The five matches are named after prominent New Zealand marksmen, and are 10 shots at 300 yards, 10 at 500 yards, 10 at 600 yards. 10 at 800 yards, and 10 at 000 yards. The Masefield Aggregate is made up of the scores compiled in matches 2, 3. and 4; while the Hutt Valley Championship contains the totals in matches 2,3, 4. 6. and 7, and has one prize at £ls. one at £lO, one at £7, one at £5, one at £3. two at £2, and 15 at £1; making a total of 22 prizes of a value of £59. The Service Match is 10 shots at 300 yards (rapid). two compjilsory sigh tore. The first prize is £3, second £2, five at £l, and 12 at 10s; making a

total of 19 prizes valued at £l6. The Masefield Aggregate has one prize of £lO, one at £B, one at £5, one at £3, two at £2, 14 at £1; —total, 20 prizes of £44 value. The Champion Teams’ Match (seven shots and two optional sighterg at 300, 500, and 600 yards) is open to teams of four men from bona fide members of clubs or corps who are competitors in individual matches. The entrance fee is £4 per team, and the prize-money, which is based on an entry of 14 teams, comprises one prize of £3O, one at £ls, one at £lO, and one at £5, making a total of £6O. Ammunition will be supplied at 6d per packet. Challenge shots are 2s each. Entries will close on March 2 with the secretary. Mr T. J. Chapman, 56 Salamanca road, Kelburn, Wellington. The programme is certainly a very attractive one, and the new association is going to do things on the grand scale. The writer does not relish being pessimistic at any time, but the entrance fee of £5 10s seems to be on the high side. It would seem better to reduce the prize value in each match and thereby create more prizes. The question of ammunition (the bone of contention these days) will interest marksmen from this end of the Dominion. Cordite 1929 and 1930 and nitro 1921 will be available, and ammunition of a later date will not be permitted. Now the Otago Rifle Association has been in existence for approximately 60 years, ami has always catered for fhe young shot, and has been successful in making rifle shooting an attractive sport on account of its self-last policy. It has lately been informed by the Defence Department that the ammunition available for its Easter meetings will be cordite 1918. The association certainly had the choice of nitro 1921. The question, however, that arises is: How is this new association able to secure cordite 1929 and 1930 when the local body has to be content with material made 14 years ago?

Wedding Bells The writer of these notes understands that, coinciding with the date of their publication, Rifleman C. H. M'Keich, secretary of. the Otago Rifle Association, will enter the ranks of the benedicts. The hearty congratulations of all riflemen are extended to him and his life partner. That the future for his wife and himself may be blessed with health, wealth, prosperity, and happiness is the ardent wish of all frequenters of the rifle range.