AIR TRAINING CORPS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20876, 31 August 1942, Page 2

AIR TRAINING CORPS

INTER-SQUADRON VISIT GISBORNE AND HASTINGS

The first visit to another unit of the Air Training Corps was made by the Gisborne Squadron during the weekend, when a- large party of cadets travelled to Hastings in order to parade with the Hastings Squadron. The parade took place through the main street led by the Hastings Caledonian Pipe Band, and cadets of both squadrons gave an impressive display of marching; From the main street the cadets marched to the Hastings Boys’ High Schobl,’ where they attended a church service and afterwards enjoyed afternoon tea supplied by the Napier E.P.S. mobile canteen. At Napier the Gisborne cadets marched through the town and were welcomed-by the Mayor. On Saturday afternoon intersquadron sports were played and both the Rugby football and hockey matches resulted in wins for Gisborne. The football match was a very even one, Gisborne Winning toy only 5-3, over a far heavier 1 team. Although Gisborne’s win-by 7-2 in the hockey match seemed decisive, it was no indication of the play. Hastings put up a hard fight and were unfortunate on many occasions in not being able to finish off their scoring movements. That evening a hearty welcome was extended to the Gisborne Squadron by the officer commanding the Hastings unit, Flying Officer M. Gordon, at a dance.

The Gisborne party was under the command of Flying Officer K. B. Garland, who expressed - appreciation of the success of the visit and hospitality extended by the Hastings unit, Pilot Officer H. Le Bas, who was responsible for all the arrangements for the trip, said that a visit to Gisborne by the Hastings squadron was expected early in October. The Gisborne Squadron has achieved- the. high honour of filling first place with Takapuna against ali squadrons of the Air Training Corps in New Zealand in a recent aircraft recognition test. This was announced at yesterday’s parade by Flying Officer J Garland, who complimented the Gisborne boys on their! - achievement. The cadets deeply appreciated the provision of free refreshments by the Wairoa-women on the railway station in the early hours of Saturday morning during their trip south and at midnight last night on .the return journey.