OARSMEN JOIN IN BODY

Southland Times, Issue 23796, 19 April 1939, Page 6

OARSMEN JOIN IN BODY

40 MEN FROM STAR BOATING CLUB RECRUITING CAMPAIGN INTENSIFIED (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, April 18. A lead to sporting bodies throughout New Zealand was given in Wellington tonight by the Star Boating Club, when about 40 members of the club paraded at the drill hall, Buckle street, in a body and enlisted for service in the New Zealand Territorial Forces. This action is believed to be without parallel in the Dominion. It is understood that the men will be attached to the B Company of the Wellington Regiment (City of Wellington’s Own) and that they will probably constitute a comIplete platoon. Following the intensification of the recruiting campaign, approximately 200 men have enlisted in Wellington in less than two weeks. Of these more than 100 were recruited last week and about 80 were medically examined tonight. The Star Boating Club’s action is believed to have originated through former soldier members of the club influencing others to offer themselves for military service. Satisfaction with the type of recruit offering was expressed tonight by the medical officers who carried out the examinations. Major W. F. Shirer, N.Z.M.C., senior examining officer, said that the men put through tonight were particularly fit. The action of the Star Boating Club, he added, might well be an indication to other sporting bodies that they could contribute a particularly good class of recruit to the New Zea—land Territorial Forces.

AEROPLANES FROM EGYPT ARRIVAL ON MAY 16 (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, April 18. The shipment of fighting aeroplanes from the Royal Air Force depots in Egypt for the New Zealand Government will now be brought to Auckland by the steamer Port Sydney, which is due on May 16. The motor-ship Orari was reported to have left London recently for Egypt to load the machines, but, as a result of engine trouble, she has been replaced. The Port Sydney left London on April 7 in ballast for an Egyptian port. It has been officially announced that Fairey Gordon machines will be sent from Egypt. They are two-seater medium-range bombers. They, will be assembled at the Hobsonville air base.