NAVAL AND MILITARY NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23224, 23 June 1937, Page 7

NAVAL AND MILITARY NOTES

FROM MESS DECK, PARADE GROUND AND RIFLE RANGE

By Bull's-eye

Contributors to " Bull's-eye " arc 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, Weekly Training

Small-bore Rifle Shooting.—Practice for the selection of the teams to compete for the various cups and trophies at headquarters was continued on Monday last. The Interdivisional Competition for the " Palmer Trophy " will take place during the last week in July. Ratings wishing to be considered for selection in the interdivisional team are expected to put in every possible practice. The range will be available for usual practices on Monday next. General Training.—Both divisions assembled as a whole on Wednesday last. The attendance was the highest ever recorded at headquarters, 110 officers and men being present when the division was inspected by the second naval member, Captain R. D. Oliver. D.S.C.. A.D.C., whilst under instructions. The normal training syllabus was carried out as follows: — Seamanship.—All minesweeping ratings continued instruction in anchors and cables and method of anchoring and securing ship. Gunnery.—All ord. seamen to 4in B.L. gun-drill as guns crews for the first half of the training session, and to the 4in Q.F. gun for the second half. Minesweeping.—All gunnery ratings to a lecture on the history in development of mines and minesweeping during war. for the first half of training session, and to practical wire splicing for the second half.

Wireless. —The junior ratings continued instructions in reading Morse at the buzzer table, whilst the senior ratings continued practical wireless communication exercises with H.M.S. Philomel and other R.N.V.R. divisions. Signals.—The signal ratings continued instruction in practical signalling by flashing and semaphore. On completion of instructions the second naval member, in a short address to the division, expressed pleasure in complimenting this section of the Royal Navy, and also the hope that the general instruction will be made more interesting, keeping ,in view always the main purpose of their training, which is the defence of the country, if the occasion should ever arise.

Next Drills.—The division will assemble on Tuesday and Wednesday next, all signal and junior wireless ratings on Tuesday, all seamen and senior wireless ratings on Wednesday. The normal training syllabus will be earned out'.

Voluntary Training.—A class for ratings to qualify for the rating of leading seaman will be continued on Monday. Instruction in wireless and visual signalling will also be available. Social. —The arrangements for the R.N.V.R. annual ball were completed by the General Purposes Committee at a meeting held on Monday last. Meeting of Wardroom Officers.—The monthly meeting of the wardroom officers, at which a statement for the current year will be presented and the office bearers for the ensuing year elected, will take place at headquarters on Wednesday next, commencing at 9 p.m.

THE OTAGO REGIMENT Training Suspended

Having completed their training for th&'Current year, members of the Otago Regiment have been granted a few weeks' respite before the 1937-38 training commences. The only sub-units left operating are the intelligence section and the motor cycle reconnaissance group. Miniature Rifle Club

The first competition for the weekly championship and handicap badges which were recently presented to the club was held last Wednesday evening. The championship badge went to Corporal J. Hay, while Corporal A. Broadfoot secured the handicap badge. The novelty shoot entitled "A Trip Round the South Island" was also started, and the following passed the qualification shoot: —Lieutenant E. Cooper 95, Lieutenant A. Fitchett 96, Sergeant R. Hay 96. Corporal A. Broadfoot 94, Corporal J. Hay 96, Corporal C Naismith 96. Private Burnard 72, Private D. Haig 96, Private J. Walker 88.

This evening the B Grade team meets Railway at the Drill Hall, but there will also be club practice at which all C Graders should be present. The next C Grade match, which will be against R. and G„ will be fired on Wednesday, June 30.