MOTOR BOAT PATROL

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2884, 23 September 1916, Page 10

MOTOR BOAT PATROL

* AUXILARY OF THE NAVY THE MEN REQUIRED EXPLANATION OF THE SCHEME. At tho request of they Imperial Government; the New Zealand Government havo consented to the enlistment in the Dominion of a limited number of, oilicers and mechanics for service in the motor vessels employed in the Auxiliary Patrol. Representatives of tho British Admiralty havo now arrived in New Zealand for the purpose of 'selecting tho men required. An office has been established in Wellington, in the Parliamentary Buildings, and tho Admiralty officers will visit, in due course, all tho principal citios for the purpose of interviewing candidates. Tho British Admiralty calls for two classes of .recruits—(l) Commissioned officers' as second in command of the patrol motor boats; (2) mechanics to run the engines. . \ . (1) The essential qualifications required of candidates for commissions are first-rate experience in tho handling of small craft, under sail or power, and a good knowledgo of practical seamanship. Some knowledge of elomentary navigation is desirable. Officers havo no engineering duties to perform. The training consists of a month's course m navigation at the Royal Naval College; Greenwich, and a further period at Southampton in tho depot'ship H.M.S. Heraione, where tho newly-entered officer receives instruction in drill, gunnery, signalling, practical seamanship, etc. On the conclusion of tho training period officers aro appointed < to the armed motor vessels, which aro engaged in patrol and other duties, round tho British coasts and in other parts of the world. (2) The men required for engine-room duties need havo no provious oxperienco afloat, hut must be mechanics by profession, with good experience in the running and repairing of internal combustion engines, preferably of the marine or motor-car type. Applications from those at present engaged in the essential industries of this country are not desired. -The age limits are given as from 19 years to 45 years. Two grades aro required, chief motor mechanics, and motor mechanics. For the_ higher rating, which corresponds to chief petty officer in tho Royal Navy, at least five years' workshop experience is required. Two years in tho shops will qualify a man for rating as motor mechanic. A man entered in the lower rating can gain promotion to the higher; if ho proves efficient. The men aro given a course of training in H.M.S. Hermiono before being appointed to the patrol vessels. The rates of pay and allowances for officers and men are as follows: — Officers aro granted commissions as temporary' sub-lieutenants, Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, and receive the ordinary pay of an officer of that rank in the Royal Navy, namely, 7s. 6d. per day. in' tho motor-boat service they receive in addition £15 for uniform, and certain allowances, which vary according to the duties on which they aro employod. These allowances average about 3s. per day when the officer victuals himself.. Separation allowance is not paid by the British Admiralty to the wives or dependants of commissioned officers. , Chief motor mechanics receive ss. Gd. per day, allowance on similar scalo as officers, £7 10s. for uniform, and separation allowance on the same scale as. a chief potty officer in the Royal Navy. Motor mechanics aro paid 2s. 6d. per day, awl allowance, £5 10s. for uniform, and separation allowance as for seamen, R.N. Selected candidates, if released from their military duties by the Department of Defence, will be provisionally enlisted in New Zealand, and sent at once to England, where, their entry being confirmed, they will commenco their training forthwith. Officers and men are enlisted for the period of hostilities, and are given free transport to England, and back to their' homes on receiving their discharge. Candidates "who havo not already registered their names should apply in writing to the Auxiliary Patrol Committee, Parliamentary Buildings, Wellington, stating the naturo of the appointment which they desire. They will then receive on official application form, and full particulars as to pay, allowances, etc.