ABOARD THE AMOKURA.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 849, 22 June 1910, Page 8

ABOARD THE AMOKURA.

A PRESENTATION CEREMONY. REMARKS BY HON. J. A. MILLAR. Thero was an exceedingly pleasant ceremony on board the Aniokura yesterday afternoon, the occasion being the presentation of a gold medal (the gift of the Timaru branch of tho Navy. Loaguo) to Master G. A. R. Hurley, of Wellington, who had proved, in open competition, to be tho most expert! signaller among tho laus who are undergoing training on the vessel. The Hon. J. A. Millar (Minister for Marine) attended tho function, and the party which accompanied him included: Miss Millar, Miss M'Andrew, Miss Geddes, and Mr. Allport (Secretary for Marine). Prior to the ceremony the boya displayed their ability in gun and boat drill, and rope-splicing, and their knowledge of the compass, the international code, tho semaphore, and the Morse code. Not the least enjoyable part of the proceedings was afternoon-tea, which was dispensed by Mrs. Hooper, wife of Commander Hooper, R.N.R., commander of tho vessel. Addressing the boys, who were then assembled on tho quarter deck, Mr. Millar said that it gave him very great pleasure to attend the ceremony. When tho question of providing a training ship was first mooted, it was considered doubtful whethor Now Zealand could run such a vessel, or whethor there would bo a sufficient number of suitable boys forthcoming. As year after year went by and the success of tho work which the ship was doing became more, emphasised, it made one feel more pleased to have been associated with the movement. To a large extent the credit for tho good work which was being done was, of course, due to Commander Hocper and his officers. Since the movement was initiated 133 boys had joined the vessel. That the objects aimed at wore being achieved was proved by the fact that of this total seven had joined the Navy, 52 had joined merchant vessels, one 'had joined the shore staff of the Union Steam Ship Company, whilst only fourteen had been returned to their homes as unsuitable, and the balance, fifty-eight, were still on board, and two more were on their way to join, the vessel to make up its full complement. It was pleasing to note that not only tho parents but also the officers under whom the ex-members.' of the vessel wore now working wore very pleased with their work. One of the boys (he should mention) was now quartcr-mas-tor of the Rippmgham Grange. When tho boys left tho training vessel the Department always took an interest in their welfare. If the boys thoroughly learned tho duties which were taught on tho Amokura they wero then practically equipped to make a livelihood on tho sea. The operations of this ship had been extended so that boys got somo real experience of sea lifo. Last year the Amokura made her longest trip—to tho islands in the south—where they touched parts seldom visited by any ship. Then again, she had made an important cruise with a view of trying to pick up tho lost Duoo, but unfortunately thero was no chance of success, as the little boat had gone down. There was ono handicap in connection with the Amokura and that was tho small size of the vessel which prevented the boys gotting as extensive an education as was desired. At present the fourth standard was the standard which the boys must have passed; still tho Department realised that that was not tho standard at which a boy's education should cease. It had now been arranged that the boys should be allowed to go to tho Technical, School for lessons, which would better fit them for their future careers. He would liko to compliment the boys on their work that afternoon. Referring in particular to Master Hurley, he wished to say that he hod passed a very creditable examination in signalling. In tbo whole of tho tests ho had made only nine mistakes. From the Timaru branch of the Navy League which had presented tho medal ho had received a telegram expressing best wishes for a pleasant- .function. Ho wished also to express the thanks of the Government to Commander Hooper, and his officers for the manner in which the work of the ship had been carried out during the past year. In conclusion, Mr. Millar said that he hoped that in oommoration of the occasion Commander Hooper would see his way to grant the boys a half-holiday on some convenient occasion. After Miss Millar had presented the medal. Commander Hooper made a few remarks in reply, and tbo ceremony concluded with rousing cheers for Mr. Millar, Miss Millar, and Master Hurley. . . ___