NAVY LEAGUE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 828, 5 October 1916, Page 12

NAVY LEAGUE.

MEETING OF CANTERBURY BRANCH.

The usual monthly meeting of the Canterbury branch of the Navy League was held last evening, Mr J. J. Dougall presiding. The finance report showed the general account to be in credit to the amount of £66 14/11. A letter was received from Mrs Parker (Lord Kitchener's sister), thanking the branch for its condolences with her. The letter was received.

Some discussion took place on the question of sending a consignment of apples to the sailors in the Fleet, and it was decided to postpone making the appeal till later in the fruit season. The Rev. E. Chambers wrote urging that there was scope for more effective work on the part of the league in the interests of the first line of defence, in the direction of preparing a short history of the British Navy for use in the primary schools. He was willing to undertake the compiling of such a hook if the committee would undertake to induce the Government to authorise its use in the schools, and if Professor Blunt and Mr Bevan-Brown would assist in revising his work when completed.

Mr Bevan-Brown said that he did not think that it was necessary for Mr Chambers to compile such a book.- It had surely already* been done by the head office of the Navy League. He was not sure that as full use had been made of the School Journal as was possible, and he doubted whether it was wise to separate naval from general history.

After some further discussion, it was resolved to adopt the report of the Essay Committee, which recommended that inquiries should be made from the head quarters office a3 to whether it had any naval handbooks or short history of the Navy, and, if so, could samples be secured. If such works did not exist, other steps would be taken. It was also decided, on the motion of Mr Walton, to make representations to the Government urging it to arrange for the publication of short, bright. articles on naval history in the School Journal.

The matter of appointing examiners for the Secondary Schools Naval Essay competition was left in the hands of the subcommittee. The London branch of the Navy League forwarded a circular letter, stating its intention of organising a '"Sail ors' Day," the object being to provide funds for the training of boys for the British Naval Service, providing homes for sailors, and food and comforts for naval prisoners of war. The letter stated that the league was co-operating with the British and Foreign Sailors' Soeietv in the matter.

Professor Blunt thought that the branch should help. It was deci led to invite the co-operation of the Women's National Reserve, the Y.W.C.A., the Victoria League, Canterbury Women's Club, anil Overseas Club in the matter, and that, subject to the approval of Mr Boyle, half of the proceeds expected from the Trafalgar Day collection should be devoted to the objects stated in the letter, the other half to go to the Naval Dependents' Fund.

The chairman said that men were being enrolled in New Zealand for the Motor Boat Patrol Service, and many inquiries were being made at the office for information. He would suggest that. Captain Armstrong should be written to, asking for enrolment forms and power to enrol. It was decided to comply with the suggestion.

It was also resolved to entertain sailors on leave in Christehurch by a motor trip to Ashley Gorge. A sub-commit-tee was appointed to carry out the details, it being understood that the assistance of the Automobile Association would be invited. The secretary suggested the formation of an Auxiliary Women's Committee for war work in connection with the league's activities. The matter was held over, to be discussed at a meeting of ladies. On the motion of Mr Bevan-Brown. the mooting accorded its sympathy and respect, to Mr Dougall, on the loss of his son.