Steps To Strengthen N.Z. Navy

Chronicle (Levin), 12 October 1948, Page 6

Steps To Strengthen N.Z. Navy

w WELLINGTON, Oct. 11. The Minister of Defence, Mr. -Jones, said tonight that the lirst phase of the expansioh of the post-war Royal New Zealand Navy had been completed and it was expected to eomplete in 1949 the second phase, bringi'ng the Boval New Zealand Navy up to the approved peace strength both in ships and in men. Steps had also been taken to expedite an expansion in an emer-' geney. The R.N.Z.N.VrR. had been reestablished at four main pqrts, recruiting had already started and by the end of 1950 should reach its approved strength of 1000 officers and ratings. A supplementary reserve oi ex-Roval New Zealand naval volunteer resprve officers had been forrned from other officers now deiiiobilised who were willing to serve during periods of emergency. There are in Nerw Zealand at present some thousands of men and women who served in the R.N.Z.N. during World War Two either as R.N.Z.N.V.R. oi' hostilities only personnel and who for some years to eome could provide a useful reserve in an emergency. It is felt many would be willing to serve again if necessary. Volunteers-are required from men and women to join the emergency reserve which is now being forrned. No training will be earried out, the only requirement being willingness to serve ftgain in an emergency. In the event of volunteers being called for service before January 1, 1951, they would be granted the rating held on discharge. Subsequent to that date they would, on mobilisation, be granted sucli rating as service requirements would permit, -regard being taken to the length. of time a person had been out of tlie service. Volunteers would be permitted to remain on the emergency reserve till tlie age of fortv and subsequently for shore and harbour service to the age of fifty. Applications to join the Royai New Zealand Naval Emergency ' Reserve should be addressed to the Naval Hecretary, Wellington.