NAVAL AND MILITARY NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23005, 7 October 1936, Page 15

NAVAL AND MILITARY NOTES

FROM MESS DECK, PARADE GROUND AND RIFLE RANGE By Bull's-eye Contributors to Bull's-eye are notified that in future all "copy" must reach the Times Office not later than 4 p.m. each Monday. OTAGO DIVISION R.N.V.R. Small-bore Rifle Shooting The ladder 'competitions and firings for the various cups and trophies at headquarters were continued on Monday. Instruction in " Rifle Aiming" and trigger pressing was given to ratings who had not previously been instructed, in preparation for the annual musketry course. The range will be available for further practices on Monday next. % Wireless and Signals The wireless and signal ratings continued visual and wireless signalling in connection with "Control of Convoys" and " Minesweeping " operations on Tuesday, whilst the senior wireless ratings continued practical wireless communication exercises with R.N.V.R. divisions and H.M.S. Philomel. The result of the signal exercise "B" conducted by H.M.S. Philomel resulted in another win for the Canterbury Division, with Otago second. The position in the competition remains the same, i.e., Canterbury first, Otago second, Wellington third, Auckland fourth, with Canterbury Division well ahead on points. Signal exercise "B " for the month of October will be acrried out on Tuesday next. General Training The division assembled as a whole on Wednesday last and were exercised in their respective phases of training until 8.15 p.m., after which they were assembled for a most illuminating and interesting address on "International Affairs " by Mr W. Downie Stewart. Annual Musketry Coarse The first section fired the annual musketry course at Pelichet Bay range on Saturday. The shooting was of a higher standard than usual, and the full practices were carried out according to schedule. The second section will fire the annual musketry course on Saturday next, when the ratings of the first section, who were unable to be present on Saturday last, are expected to report at the firing point by 2 p.m. on that day. Next Drills The division will assemble as a whole to-night, Wednesday, when the syllabus as laid down for the first Wednesday in each month will be proceeded with. Sports The annual Rugby match between the 12th Battery, N.Z.A., and Otago Division, R.N.V.R., was played at Tahuna Park on Saturday. The match was played in the customary good spirit and resulted in a win for the sailors by 13 points to 8. OTAGO MOUNTED RIFLES , Bivouac Week-end bivouacs will be held at Gore and Lawrence by the troops in those districts during the Labour Day week-end. The programme for the Lawrence troop, will include a shooting match against the local rifle club. A dance will also be held. Training . i Good progress is being made by the various country troops, and the annual musketry course is under way. ARTILLERY 12th Howitzer Battery. N.Z.A. The battery paraded last Wednesday evening. There was a good muster of all ranks, and the keenness displaved is very encouraging. The senior gunners were instructed in fire discipline by Sergeant A. G. Foley, while Sergeant E. Little continued with the recruits. Farrier-sergeant Burns carried out instruction in laying in preparation for the test which, will take place early next month. Brigadier J. Grant instructed the recruits in equipment and parts of the gun. The drivers and battery staff continued their instruction in their yarious branches. After parade the basketball team held a practice with members of the 14th Battery. This evening a visit will be received from the members of the R.N.V.R., and this should prove beneficial to both units from a technical point, and help to cement the spirit of true comradeship. THE OTAGO REGIMENT Lecture by Captain Spiers At the parade of the First Battalion last week. Captain P. W. G. Spiers, M.8.E., M.C., delivered a lecture to the officers on rearguards, flank guards, and outposts. The functions of these protective troops were discussed, and then actions under different conditions explained. K'vonac Postponed The week-end bivouac for the Oamaru Company has been postponed till November 7 and 8. The arrangements for the bivouacs of other companies have been completed. Port Chalmers Platoon A bivouac held by the members of the Port Chalmers Platoon . was attended by one officer and 16 other ranks. UNIVERSITY COMPANY Medical Training , The members of the Otago University Medical Company will undergo medical training at a bivouac to be held at the Drill Hall on October 16 and 17. Lieutenant-colonel R. A. H. Fulton, N.Z.M.C., will be in command. CADETS Competition Shooting The shooting section of the Otago Boys' High School cadet unit has now settled down to solid practising for the Victory Challenge Shield competition. ___________