FIELD BATTERY

Evening Star, Issue 20136, 28 March 1929, Page 3

FIELD BATTERY

PRESENTATION OF PRIZES A parade of the 12th Field Battery, New Zealand Artillery, was held at the Central Battery last evening, when tlie prizes won in competition during the year were presented. There was a good muster, and the parade was in charge of Captain L. A. Rhodes, officer commanding. The Artillery Band also paraded. Lieutenant-colonel H. F. Barrowdough, M.C., D. 5.0., briefly addressed the parade, lie congratulated Captain Bhodes on the general appearance ot the battery. While the men might look upon the parade as somewhat irksome, there was some value in all such parades, for if a unit did not possess any men who were careless of their dress, then the unit was something to he proud of. If they would get every man up to the mark on parade, they then had the satisfaction of knowing that the men held themeslves up m honour of the unit. He saw a splendid spirit in the ranks that night. The infantry always looked to the artillery as a pattern, and it was very gratifying to see the 12th Battery was composed of such a fine body of young men. During the Great War the New Zealand infantry was never more pleased than when it had the support of the dominion artillery units. The men comprising the 12th Battery seemed to be very keen, and he expressed the hope that the Otago infantry units would he in camp with the battery some day. It was a splendid experience for the infantry to be associated with the artillery branch ot the service. Captain Bhodes thanked the visiting officers and the ladies for attending the parade. It was very pleasing to sec Colonel Barrowclough present, which showed that he took a keen interest in the artillery branch of the service. Major ,J. W. Smeaton said it was a great privilege to be present as an old member of the hatteiy. Sixty-six years had elapsed since the battery was formed, and it was pleasing to know that it was living up to the traditions founded in its ranks in the old days. The battery had played a very important part with the New Zealand artillety units in the ffrc.it War. it was only during recent years that it had lieen removed to St. Kilda to undergo (raining under modern conditions. The battery had made a great name tor itself by winning many shields and other trophies in years past. He congratulated Captain Bhodes on the splendid appearance of his men. The prizes, which wore presented by Major Smeaton, were von by the following;— Jubilee Shield.-—C Sub-section: Sergeant J. W. Moody, Gunner Hodges, (funner .Morris, (funner Mitchell, (funner Mnssen, Gunner Parker, Gunner U'Kane, Gunner Chapman, Gunner Boekingsale, Gunner Warrington. Driving Competition (Dc Lantour Cup).—Gunner D. Fraser J, Bombardier']*'. A. Fraser 2, Bombardier A. F. Johnston J. Gunlayers’ Competition (Challenge Belt).—-Sergeant A. A. Sinclair J, Bombardier B. Duncan (Hislop Cup) 2, Gunner G. H. Hollingworth 3. Battery Staff Competition (Specialist Cup)l—Sergeant F. F B. Paper. Signallers’ Competition. Morse Flag: Bombardier T. Whaley 1. BomBarclier A. A. Marshall 2. Lucas Lamp: Bombardier A. A. Marshall 1, Bombardier T. Whaley 2. Telephones: (funner A. C. Kelly 1, Gunner 1. J. Agnew 2. Semaphore; (funner D. L. D’Arey .1, (fminer C. F. Pears 2. 'Tent Competition (.Malm no Cam])). —Artillery Band; Sergeant S. Sellars, Bombardier S. Hosford, Bandsman L. Hesiord, 1. Slih,. J. Smart, A. Hutton."' , Merit Medal (Artillery Band).— Bandsman V. B. Leask. A presentation of a second lieutenant's commission was made to L. J. Fahey.