TERRITORIAL RECRUITING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23857, 11 July 1939, Page 10

TERRITORIAL RECRUITING

TRAINING WITH THE BATTERIES OPENINGS FOR SKILLED MEN The local batteries have always been fortunate in attracting an excellent type of recruit, and. although their establishments are practically filled, there are still a few vacancies for men of good physical development. The 12th Field Battery is equipped with 4.5-inch howitzers, which fire a 351 b shell to a range of 7000 yards, whilst the 14th Medium Battery's weapon is the 6-inch howizter. capable of firing a 1001 b shell to a range of 9800 yards or an 861 b streamlined shell to a range of 11,400 yards. As can be imagined, the laying and the maintenance of these guns in mechanical order is very interesting work. Besides the gun detachments, each battery trains signallers in the use of portable wireless equipment, the Lucas lamp for visual signalling, and the field telephone. All artiller' units are now fully mechanised, which should be a definite incentive to motor mechanics and those interested in motor vehicles, as there are special classes and courses in the care and maintenance and in the theory of the internal combustion engine. Part of the equipment on the station are six-wheeled, four-wheel driven lorries, or. in army parlance, field artillery tractors, which are capable of hauling the guns over practically any country. By means of a winch attachment, they are also able to null out bogged guns or vehicles.

What is known as predicted shooting now plays a very important part in all artillery work, and this has necessitated the incorporation of a survey section in the organisation of the artillery brigade. In this connection, there are still a few vacancies for men with a knowledge of trigonometry and survey instruments or with ability as draughtsmen. The field work carried out should be of inestimable practical value to those studying for survey or engineering examinations. Intending recruits should apply to Central Battery at any tiirje through the day or on Monday or Wednesday nights.

MEETING OF EX-SERVICEMEN A LARGE NUMBER OF ENROLMENTS (Feb United Press association) WHANGAREI. July 10. At a largely-attended meeting of exservicemen on Saturday night 150 enrolled after passing a resolution — "That in view of the international situation local ex-servicemen should immediately form a company to provide such approved military service as is in their power to perform." * A further resolution was carried urging the Government to introduce universal compulsory military training.