PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27057, 16 April 1949, Page 6

PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

Otago Naval Reservists TRAINING IN SEAMANSHIP When the new seaward defence motor launch of the RNZVR left Dunedin at 9 a.m. yesterday with a crew of 16 “ new entries,” it was undergoing its first operation since it came under the command of the Otago Division in December last year.

Trial runs had been held, but this was the first opportunity the division had had to undertake a fairly extensive sea-going cruise. Under the command of Lieutenant D. L. Millar, training began as soon as the launch cast off, the ratings falling in for the simple but necessary duty of “ cleaning ship.” This had been completed by the time the ship cleared the heads and instruction was given in compass and helm work until the anchor was dropped in Waikouaiti Bay. After lunch the ship's company was divided up into classes for lead and line instruction, wireless communication and signalling. The instructors

were officers and petty officers of the division, who, like the crew, will be replaced each day until the programme is completed on Monday evening. On the return voyage from Waikouaiti practical work was continued, the Oerlikan guns being tested in a live shoot. Good time was made up the harbour and the launch berthed at her scheduled time —5.30 p.m. Throughout the whole of the day radio communication with the Harbour Board and headquarters in St. Andrew street was maintained. On the last two training days, the active service instructor of the division, Petty-officer A. Lake, RNZN, will take part in the exercises.