NAVAL AND MILITARY NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22910, 18 June 1936, Page 2

NAVAL AND MILITARY NOTES

FROM MESS DECK, PARADE GROUND, AND RIFLE RANGE

By Bull's-eye,

NAVAL HISTORY, For the Corresponding Month, 1665

With the passing of Cromwell and his great sea captain, Blake, the Dutch began to take heart again, and when the Navigation Act of 1600, in which for the first time, the viewa of London merchants and traders were given careful consideration, came into being they commenced to sit up and take notice, for the first Dutch war had shown that as long as all Dutch trade routes led through the English Channel the Dutch could not monopolise the trade of the world. This, however, had not unfastened the Dutch grip upon the sources of commercial wealth. Hitherto, against the Dutch Stateorganised commerce, the English private companies had been unable to compete, and now turned to the Crown for support. Charles II responded instantly— English firms became “chartered companies,’' and went forth on commercial enterprises. Soon the situation took on the phase that it was impossible for the English trade to increase unless the Dutch trade diminished, consequently the pushfillness of English traders, backed by Crown patronage and naval prestige, soon assumed a provocative trespass in the eyes of the Dutch. By his marriage, Charles II had acquired Bombay which, in view of their East Indian trade and possessions, was especially unwelcome to the Dutch, and if a conflict in Indian Seas was probable, a collision on the coast of North America was inevitable. When, therefore, the English took over New Amsterdam and rccliristeped it New York in honour of the lord high admiral, war could no longer be delayed, and Admiral Opdam with the Dutch Fleet, consisting of 120 ships, was ordered to attack. He set out for the coast of England on May 13, 1G69, and the first fleet action of the second Dutch War took place on June 1 and 3 of that year, when he fell in with the English Fleet, consisting of 110 ships under the command of the Duke of York, Prince Rupert, and the Earl of Sandwich, off Harwich. For two days the English Fleet avoided action, but on the third day the wind changed, giving the weather gauge to the English Fleet, upon which it sailed straight down into the Dutch Hues, which occupied no less than 14 miles of sea room. The 'dividing of the Dutch Fleet caused the utmost confusion, and in the subsequent action the Dutch flagship blew up with the admiral and all hands on board, creating a demoralising effect which spelt ruin to their chances of success, and this discomfiture was completed to a rout when the Earl of Sandwich with the Blue Fleet broke through their centre. On seeing this the Dutch van. without ever attempting to rescue the rear, made off, and reached the shallows of the Dutch coast under the cover of darkness, having left 30 ships and 2300 prisoners in possession of the English Fleet, which for the time being possessed the freedom of the narrow seas to burn or take such Dutch merchant shipping as came across its path. OTAGO DIVISION R.N.V.R. (N.Z.D.). Small-bore Rifle Shooting

The R.N.V.R. small-bore rifle shooting team competed in a return match with the ex-imperial service men at Cadbury Fry Hudson’s rifle range on Tuesday evening of Inst week. The cx-Impcrial men turned the tables completely and the sailors were well beaten. The match was fired under the B.S.A. Association conditions and as this was the first occasion that the R.N.V.R. team had competed in other than service, valuable experience was gained in this respect. On Monday thin week the R.N.V.R. competed against a team from the D.S.A. The match took place at headquarters and was fired as follows:—Five rounds with service rifles, arid five rounds with B.S.A. rifles. The result being a win for the sailors by 12 points. There will be no ( shooting practice at headquarters on Monday next, but facilities will be made available for those interested on Wednesday at 7.30 p.m. Weekly Drills

The ceremonial review preparation was continued on Wednesday last. Consistently good attendances have been maintained this year and the peak of the attendance curve of both officers and men was raised to a higher point than that of last year, which speaks well for the morale of the division as a whole. The new recruits assembled again on Thursday for “kitting up” purposes. Next Drills

A full-dress rehearsal will be carried out on Monday evening next when the division will assemble for the final practice in connection witli the ceremonial review for His Majesty the King’s birthday to be carried out on the Oval on Tuesday next. Voluntary Training Headquarters will be available for voluntary instruction and small-bore rifle shooting practice. Sports The R.N.V.R. basketball team, showing better combination than previously, beat Napier Motors after a hard game by 13 points to 10. The record of matches played to date is:—Played 7. won 5, lost 2.

ARTILLERY 12th (Field) Battery

Pay night! Pay night! The 12th Battery again on parade with a good attendance and all ranks received their pay of rank for services rendered.

All arrangements have now been made regarding the military review on Tuesday next on the occasion of His Majesty’s birthday, when tiie battery will fire a royal salute of 21 guns. Next Wednesday evening the unit will be inspected by Lieutenant-colonel S. G. Scoular, N.Z.A., A.D.C., Southern Artillery Brigade Commander, and so a full muster is requested. 14th (Medium) Battery, N.Z.A.

The work undertaken by the 14th Battery on Monday evening was much on the lines of that of the previous week—revision of battery foot drill, and manoeuvre in preparation for the big review 'on the King’s Birthday. It may be mentioned that this unit is to parade at the Park terrace end of the Oval at 9.15 a.rn. on Tuesday next, 23rd inst. There will be 'no parade of the Battery on Monday, 22nd.

THE OTAGO REGIMENT Ceremonial Parades

Last week’s parade of the Dunedin sub units of the Otago Regiment was devoted to preparation for the ceremonial parade to be held on the King’s Birthday, as was the parade held on Tuesday evening of this week. The Port Chalmers Platoon carried out similar parades at Port Chalmers on Monday evenings. OTAGO OFFICERS’ CLUB. Subalterns’ Night

Those who attended the last breezy function staged by the subalterns of the Otago military district under the auspices of the Otago Officers’ Club will doubtless be interested to know that a similar evening of merriment is to be held at the club rooms at an early date. All members have been notified, and a good attendance is anticipated. RIFLE SHOOTING. District Prize-firing

19/4/73. —Following are the 86 highest scores of the 123 competitors who completed the first set of district prize-firing, the conditions of which are;—Ranges, 200, 699, and 690 yards, five shots at each range; position—29o yards, standing; 500 and 600 yards, any; targets—2oo vards, 6 x 4; centre, 4 x 2: bull’s-eye, 2 x 1. Targets—soo and 600 yards, 6x6; centre, 4x4; bull's-eye, 2 feet square. There

are 36 Otago prizes in the first set of the total value of £9O. Following are the scores:— 200 500 600

Lieutenant Goldie, being the highest scorer in the first set in this province, is entitled not only to a prize of £lO, but also to a silver medal. EARLY VOLUNTEERING IN OTAGO. Arrangements have been made with two old identities, who are keenly interested in the early history of Otago, but more particularly with regard to the origin and subsequent development of the volunteer movement in Otago, whereby a series of articles dealing with this subject will appear from time to time in this column. The following is the initial article, which comprises extracts from the Otago Witness of the year 1860: — What appears to be the first step towards the formation of a rifle corp in Otago, is the report of a held in Tokomairiro (now Milton) on February 1, 1860. After the ordinary business of the meeting had been disposed of, it was proposed by Mr Dewe that a memorial should be presented to his Honor the Superintendent, to allow a volunteer rifle corp to be enrolled in the district. Under present circumstances the people of the province could not offer the slightest resistance to an enemy in the event of war, landing a boat’s crew in any of our ports; whereas 50 of so welldisciplined riflemen might deter a vessel from risking the landing of her men to pillage and destroy our country. Mr Ayson seconded the proposal, which was approved by the meeting. RIFLE CORPS. The following correspondence is taken from the Provincial Gazette of the 3rd inst.: — Superintendent’s Office, Dunedin, April 1, 1860. Sir, —Referring to the resolution passed at a public meeting of settlers of Tokomairiro, on February 1 last, respecting the formation of a rifle corp in the district, I have the honour to annex for the information of said settlers the reply by the General Government to my application on behalf of the province for rifles. You will observe that the boundaries require to be fixed, and a memorial with certain suggestions forwarded to the Government. —I have the honour to be, Sir, James Macandbew, Superintendent.

James Smith, Esq., Chairman of meeting. Tokomairiro.

Colonial Secretary’s Ollice, Auckland, March 26, 1860. Sir, —I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Honor's letter of the 20th nit. on the subject of the formation of a rifle corp in the district of Tokomairiro.

The Government is most anx'ous to encourage the organisation of the settlers throughout New Zealand for the purposes of national defence, and fully appreciate the public spirit which actuates the settlers generally on this subject, and will be glad to accept the services of any volunteer corps formed under the Militia Act, 1858, in the province of Otago. To enable a corp to be formed for Tokomairiro, it should belong to some militia district. By an Order-in-Conneil dated 27th ultimo., published in the New Zealand Gazette of the Ist hist., a Dunedin district, and an Invercargill district have been constituted. As neither ot these districts (embracing circles within 20 and 30 miles respectively from the present Police Office at each place) includes Tokomairiro, it will be necessary to constitute a militia district there, with slid) boundaries as may be deemed most convenient by those whose local knowledge will enable them to judge (care being taken not to overlap the boundaries of the districts already formed). As soon as the Government is informed on these points, it will be advised to proclaim the district accordingly. In all cases' of bodics-of men desirous of being enrolled, they should memorialise to that effect bis Excellency, stating their number, and, at the same time, suggesting the names of persons competent and willing to act as officers. The adjutant will be appointed by the Government, and must have been previously in the military service. If no such person resident in each district can be found for that office, an adjutant will be sent there. I enclose copies of the regulations of the Auckland Rifle Corps, and those ot Taranaki, Christchurch, and Nelson. It is very desirable that the regulations for volunteers should be as similar as possible through the colony. Persons desirous of forming volunteer corps should therefore transmit recommendations founded on the regulations now in force, with such variations only as local circumstances may require on such proposed regulations. His Excellency will be advised to issue them, and all necessary steps will be taken for completing the organisation of the corp. As regards the supply of rifles, orders have been some time since forwarded to England for a sufficient quantity of the best description of rifle, accoutrements, etc., for the Militia, and on their being received a simply will be forwarded to Otago.-—I have the honour to be,, etc.. E. W. Stafford.

Lieut. W. Goldie. P.X. yds. 10 yds 17 yds. Tl. 10 — 49 Vo). John Key, Wakari 17 10 16 — 49 Sat. T. Blotch, V.Y.T. 17 16 10 — 40 Gnr. John Morgan. P.N. 18 19 12 — 49 Set. W. Nicol, W.T. .. 18 15 15 — 48 Cpl. T. Hutchinson, N.D. 19 14 15 — 48 Vol. W. Selby, Oamaru /18 10 14 — 48 Gnr. James Lean, P.X. 19 16 13 — 48 Sgt. W. Lambert, D.A. 17 13 17 — 47 Vol. T. M'Latchie. Bruce 16 14 16 — 40 Sgt. P. Fredric, Scottish 17 14 15 — 46 V 7 ol. W. Robertson, N.D 17 15 14 — 46 Vol. M. Creagh, No. 1 C.G IS 14 14 — 46 Vol, John Mann, S.D... 18 14 14 — 46 Sgt. R. Pollock, N.D... 19 13 14 — 40 Sgt. R. Wilson, Scottish 16 17 13 — 40 Gnr. D. Reid, D.A. .. 17 10 13 — 46 Vol. A. Frazer. Wakari 18 IS 10 — 40 Sgt. J, R. Gillies. Bruce 15 14 10 — 45 Gnr. C. Gotten, D.N. .. 13 10 14 — 45 Vol. Lorimer, No. 1 C.G 17 10 12 — 45 Gnr. W. Kettle, P.C.N 16 18 11—45 Vol. P. M. Grant, W.T. 17 11 16 — 44 Gnr. J. M'Kenzie, D.N. 17 12 15 — 44 Vol. J. Buchanan, W.T. Gnr. F. Coxhead, D.A. 14 13 16 — 43 13 16 14 — 43 Lieut. A. Grant, D.N. 15 14 14 — 43 Vol. J. Lindsay, Scottish 17 12 14 — 43 Vol. W. Hutchinson, N.D 18 13 12 — 43 Lieut. W. Henderson, Scottish 15 18 10 — 43 Vol. J. Rankin, E.T. .. 13 12 17 — 42 Vol. D. Miller, Wakari 16 11 15 — 42 Sgt. D. Henderson, Oamaru 17 12 13 — 42 Vol. M. M'Donald, Riverton 14 16 12 — 42 Lieut. D. Andrew, E.T, 10 10 10 — 42 Vol. J. G Marshall, No. 2 Scottish .. .. 17 16 0 — 42