NEW HALL OPENED

Evening Star, Issue 23692, 27 September 1940, Page 4

NEW HALL OPENED

NAVY LEAGUE SEA CADETS MOVEMENT KEENLY SUPPORTED Situated in the basement of the Garrison Hall, the new headquarters of the Navy League Sea Cadets was opened last night by the mayor (Mr A. H. Allen). . There was a good attendance of members of the public, who showed considerable interest in the instruction given the cadets. The Navv League Sea Cadets were inaugurated about two years ago, then having a membership of 10. To-day approximately 130 youths support the movement,’ and their keenness is demonstrated in the way in which they have rejuvenated the basement of the Garrison Hall, making it attractive and bright. The growth of the movement was referred to by Commander Fraser, who said that owing to it not being possible to obtain sufficient instructors at present, further enrolments had temporarily to be declined. The new home was a Government building, and the speaker extended thanks to Mr P. Keller, district Public Works engineer, for his help in securing the rooms for the cadets. Making reference to the fine record of the (R.N.V.R. in Dunedin, Commander Fraser said the cadets were following in the reservists’ footsteps. The reservists had responded well to the call of duty, and Dunedin would be equally proud of its cadets in the future. The Mayor congratulated the boys on their appearance and for offering their services to the country. Great deeds wmre being performed by the Royal Air Force, but the work of that arm of the service was no more meritorious than the work of the Royal Navv, while the Army was, of course, doing its share. In declaring the rooms open, the Mayor expressed the hope that the movement would continue to progress, and he wished the boys every success for the future. Following the parade, the boys carried on their normal training, while the visitors inspected the wireless room, the signalling squad at work, and other features which were part of the training. At the close of diasses, Mr J. Sutherland Ross, president of the Otago branch of the Navy League, announced his pleasure at the smart appearance of the hall and the keenness of the boys, and he wished them every success in their work. Appealing for support for the movement, Mr Ross assured the City Council and citizens that it was here to stay.