N.Z. ROYAL NAVY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4562, 11 May 1923, Page 1

N.Z. ROYAL NAVY.

CALL FOR RECRUITS. A special parade was held at the j Drill Shed on Tuesday evening, when the usual routine of musketry and squad drill instruction was varried somewhat. The parade, ( comprising 22 ’territorials and 54 Senior Cadets, was in charge of Lieut. N S. Cassrels, assisted by Staff Sergt.-Major Bushy. After the ranks had been inspected, they were formed into hollow square. Sergt.-Major Busby then introduced Master-at-Arms C. Hutchings (W.0.), of the Royal Navy, at. present attached to H.M.S. Philomel, of the New Zealand Division, who is conducting a recruiting campaign throughout the Auckland province. Commencing his address, W.O. Hutchings referred to the strength of the New Zealand Naval Division, which consisted of a total of four ships—the H.M.S. Chatham, a light cruiser; H.M.S. Philomel,, a training ship ; and the war sloops, Laburnum and Veronica. The war sloops were Imperial ships, at present on loan to New Zealand. It was the intention of the New Zealand Government to man the New Zealand ships with New Zealand lads if possible,, and it was this object that had occasioned his visit to Paeroa and other parts of the district in the hope pf securing recruits. He then proceeded to detail the life in the Navy from' the day of joining. Only boys of good, sound moral character were, required, who must be prepared to join the Navy at the, firsrung of the ladder as second-class seamen. Opportunities of promotion were sure and rapid to the light class of lad. Every opportunity was given them to rise to the ranks of warrant and petty officers, and then on to commissioned officers. It was pointed out that pay and conditions for lads were far better than could be obtained in civil life. In addition to good pay they received free rations and accommodation, free clothing and boots; in fact,, everything they re-, quired was free on joining. It must be clearly understood, said the speaker, that only boys were required who would work and get the best out, of the Service: they could rest assured that the Service would get the out of them. There were two brancnes in the Navy, one of which it, was compulsory for the lads to take, gunnery and torpedo classes. Both classes were intensely interesting, and of the utmost importance from a Navy viewpoint. Lads on joining would be required to serve a term of not, less than twelve years after reaching the age of 18 years, after which they could go to the reserve, or sign on for a further term of five , years. New Zealand ratings would be given preference by serving in New Zealand. Every year a number of lads were sent to England for further instruction in the Naval Colleges. It, should be understood that a lad . on: joining the New Zealand Division signed to serve in any part of the world, and on anv of His Majesty’s ships. In the New Zealand Navy deferred pay was given in addition to ordinary rates of pay in lieu of a pension. It was pointed out that in the Royal Navy a sailor on retiring from the service received a pension. When he died the pension died with him. In the New Zealand Navy, on retiring, say, at the end of 12 years, deferred pay was given in a lump sum, which was about £5OO to £650. This money was the sailor’s own, and if he died it passed on to his next-of-kin. W.O. Hutchings t.heu proceeded co explained the details of pay and allowances of the different naval ratings. from the time of a. lad joining the Service until the twelve years had been Served. These particulars as to pay could be obtained from the posters to be seen at: the post offices and drill sheds. It was pointed out that each lad on joining had an equal chance of promotion. The higher in the Service they went, and the more proficient they became, the quicker their pay was increased. Good conduct badges, carrying extra pay, were awarded each twelve months', and all lads were entitled to work for these badges. Dealing with stokers on warships, the speaker showed that a- lad of 19 years of age would be receiving. £4 Os 7d a week, plus kit, allowances, and deferred pay. The pay and duties of sailors, stokers, artificers, artisans, cooks, stewards, and sick-room stewards were dealt with by the speaker. He also gave a brief description of the various uniforms and distinguishing badges of the Navy. The speaker went on to say that bullying in the Navy was now a thing of the past. Lads were kindly and sympathetically helped and encouraged. The discipline was strict, and the regulations were made to be observed, but,a boy who had received a proper upbringing at home, and had some idea of honour and respect, would never feel the discipline-in the Navy irksome. Leave of 28 days on full pay, plus allowances, was granted to each lad on the completion of 12 months’ service. Free railway warrants were Issued from the port to their homes. It was necessary for a boy tp supply his proficiency and birth certificates, together with the written consent of his parents, on applying for enrolment. Full particulars and application forms could be obtained from the Defence Office. At the conclusion of his address W.O. Hutchings thanked the bqys for the patient and attentive hearing accorded him. He said he wished to congratulate the n.c.o.’s and lads on their steadiness and soldierly bearing. The speaker was given a round of applause on finishing hip address.