MACHINE-GUN PLATOON

Taranaki Daily News, 6 August 1932, Page 9

MACHINE-GUN PLATOON

STRATFORD ACHIEVEMENTS. PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES. An important function in the year’s work of the No. 3 machine gun platoon, Ist Battalion Taranaki Regiment, was held at Stratford last night, when the platoon was inspected by Lieut.-Col. G. F. Bertrand, C.O. Taranaki Regiment, who afterwards presented the platoon and individual members with cups and trophies won during the year. Colonel Bertrand was accompanied by Majors A. E. Conway, N.Z.S.C., and F. S. Varnham, M.C., second in command Taranaki Regiment. Captain A. W. White was O.C. Machine-gun Company and Lieut. E. Morton O.G. Stratford platoon. Staff Sergeant Major J. L. O. Rowe was instructor. Addressing the platoon the colonel said he had been very pleased with the work of the men as demonstrated that evening. He had had an opportunity of observing the Stratford platoon in camp, where he had been especially . pleased with the snap they put into their work. He extended congratulations to the winners of the trophies and commented upon the high state of efficiency disclosed by the shooting scores. It was encouraging to himself and his senior officers to note the town’s leading citizen taking such a keen interest in the platoon’s work, also to note the presence of Mr. S. Macalister, vice-president of the Stratford R.S.A., keeping in touch with the peace-time activities of the men. Mr. I’. Thomson, Mayor of Stratford, stated his pleasure at the keenness and efficiency of the men. Keenness in the individual spelt keenness and efficiency in the company, he said, and so in the battalion. The intention at Stratford was to form a. territorial association similar to that at New Plymouth, but the coldness of the evening evidently kept many citizens away. However, he proposed to call a public meeting shortly, when he expected a good deal of enthusiasm to be shown by fathers of the men and citizens generally. Mr. Macalister said he felt sure that if a branch of the association were formed a good deal of support would be forthcoming in the town and country, as well as from the R.S.A. It would serve to promote interest in the work of the Stratford unit and encourage the men in their activities. Cups were presented as follows:— Rifle shooting (Mr. Percy Thomson’s cup): Pvt. A. G. Go ver, 11'9 pt; runnerup, Lance Corporal H. McGuire. Machine gun shooting (Mr. Percy Thomson’s cup): Lance Sergeant G. A. Tindell, 183 points; runner-up, Private Gover, 154 points. Tho Lady Godley Cup for .22 shooting was won by Private G. H. Croot with Private Gover runner-up. This fine silver trophy was also presented. The Paritutu Cup to mark the crosscountry championship at the Waverley camp was won by the platoon and was officially handed over. Marksmen’s badges were presented to Private Gover 119 points, Corporal McGuire 117, Corporal McMillan 114, Sergeant Carryer 114, Corporal Brown 113, Sergeant Bullock I'l2, Private Ansley no. Machine gun markmanship badges were presented to Corporal Tindell 183, Private Gover 154, Corporal McGuire 139, Private Gorringe 137, Private Ansley 131, Lance Corporal Callaghan 124, Sergeant Carryer 119, Sergeant Bullock 112, Corporal Moore 109, Private Bailey 108, Private Vincent 103, Private Hill 101. Supper was served to the visitors and tho men.