NEW ZEALAND NAVY BEING BROUGHT TO FULL STRENGTH

Grey River Argus, 12 October 1948, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND NAVY BEING BROUGHT TO FULL STRENGTH

Reservists Wanted

PA. WELLINGTON, October 11. The Minister of Defence, the Hon F. Jones, said to-night that the first phase of the expansion of the postwar Royal New Zealand Navy had been completed, and it was expected to complete, in 1949, the nhase bringing the Royal New Zea land Navy up to approved peace strength, both in ships and in men Steps had also been taken to expedite expansion in an emergency. The R N Z.N.V.R. had been reestablished’ at’the four mam ports\ Recruiting had already started, * and by the end of 1950 it s !f^A d its approved strength of 1000 ofiice s and ratings. A supplementary reserve of ex-Royal New Zealand Nau Volunteer Reserve officers had bee . formed from other officers now demobilised, who were willing to serve during periods of emergency. USEFUL RESERVE There are in New Zealand at present some thousands _of men Women who served in the K.N-Z.IN. during World War Two, either as R.N.Z.N.V.R. or hostilities only personnel, and who. for some years to come, could provide a useful reserve in an emergency. It is felt that .many would be willing to serve again, it necessary.

Volunteers are required from men and women to join the emergency reserve which is now being’ formed. No training will be carried out, the only requirement being willingness to serve again in an emergency. In the event of volunteers being called for service before January 1, 1951, they would be granted the rating held on discharge. Subsequent to that date, they would, on mobilisation, be granted such rating as the service requirements would permit, regard being taken as to the length of time the person had been out of the service. , 4 Volunteers would be permitted to remain on the emergency reserve till the age of 40, and subsequently, tor shore and harbour service to the age of 50. „ ,_ T Applications to join the Royal New Zealand Naval Emergency Reserve should be addressed to the Naval Secretary, Wellington.