ROYAL NAVAL RESERVE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3886, 4 September 1928, Page 36

ROYAL NAVAL RESERVE.

DUNEDIN BRANCH’S HALL. OPENED. Although it is but a few months since it was first proposed to form a Dunedin branch of the R.N.V.R., the project has now become an established fact, and, through the generosity of a number of public-spirited citizens, the division, whose full strength is now 60, is housed in its spacious and comfortably furnished quarters at the corner of Tewslcy and Willis streets. The hall was formally opened on Tuesday evening, when those who had assisted so liberally were entertained at a social evening, there being a representative gathering of about 100. The commanding officer of the division (Captain Watson) extended a welcome to those present, and outlined the work of the branch and the reasons for its formation. He was pleased to say that recruits had come forward enthusiastically, and no fewer than 140 applications for enrolment had been received. Unfortunately, however, it was possible at present to enrol only 60, and these were already taking a keen interest in their work. Captain Watson then paid a tribute to the willing service given by Mr K. Ramsay, who, as chairman of the Advisory Committee had spared no effort to place the division on a sound basis. To the secretary (Mr H. Roberts) thanks were also due. Messrs Ramsay and Roberts spoke briefly in reply, after which Colonel Frederic, who, in the early days, commanded the Dunedin Navals, handed over to Captain Watson several relics of that now defunct corps, including the belt presented to it by Sir James Allen, and its brass saluting cannon. A handsomely-framed picture’ to be given as a prize for the smartest rating was presented by Mr C. Sundstrum to the division, which also received from Mr Percy Hunter, to be hung in the hall, the ensign of the wrecked Westmoreland. During the evening songs were rendered by Messrs Young, Adam, Cooper, S. Ansell, and S. Jeffs, Mr Freed acting as accompanist.