DOMINION TRAINING SHIP.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 13602, 6 February 1915, Page 5

DOMINION TRAINING SHIP.

POSITION OF NAVAL CADETS

The light cruiser Philomel, which was provided by the Imperial Government as a training ship for New Zealanders, has been doing good work undjsr tlie command of Capt. Hall Thompson, naval adviser to the New Zealand Government. Apart from her service «aa an escort for British, Indian, and French troops, she has accomplished effective service in a quiet way, but often under very trying circumstances. Her guns have been employed effectively against hostile dhows' in tropical waters.

The. latest report from the cruiser's commander to the Minister for Defence is that all her officers and crew are well. The Philomel is a New Zealand vessel and Nqw Zealanders will feel proud of her useful services, which are apt to bo overlooked at a time when attention is concentrated op great feats on the high seas. The absence of the Philomel upon an Imperial mission hns naturally deferred the .scheme for the naval training of New Zonlanders.- The Minister, however, has advanced negotiations with Australia in respect of having New • Zealanders admitted to the Commonwealth's vow naval college for the training of oflicers. No definite nrrn.i"Tpment has yet been i^rulo. but Mr Allen is quite confident that the Commonwealth authorities, who nre willing io assist the Dominion, will be able to provide accommodation for Now Zealand middies. The new college is not yet quite complete, and the extent of the accommodation available has not been determined. Applications have hern received by the Minister for positions on the Philomel, but nothing can be clone, of course, at tho present- time. New Zealand .candidates for admission to the Australian Naval Colle'ge will be required to pass an examination.