THE NAVAL PATROL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17282, 25 September 1916, Page 4

THE NAVAL PATROL.

MOTOR-BOAT SERVICE. RECRUITS WANTED. Commander F. P. Armstrong, R.N.V.R., who is now in the Dominion in connection with the enlistment of men for service in tho patrol motor vessels employed on the British coasts and in tho Mediterranean, forwards the following statement regarding the service and the terms of enlistment: — At the request of the Imperial Government, the New Zealand Government has consented to the enlistment in tho Dominion of a limited number of officers and mechanics for service in the motor vessels employed in the auxiliary patrol. Representatives of the British Admiralty 'have now arrived in New Zealand for the purpose of selecting tho men required. An office has been established in Wellington, in the Parliamentary Buildings, and the Admiralty officers will visit, in due course, all the principal cities for the purpose of interviewing candidates. The British Admiralty calls for two classes of recruits : (1) Commissioned officers as second in command of the patrol motor-boats. (2) Mechanics to run the engines. QUALIFICATIONS. (1) The essential qualifications required of candidates for commissions are first-rate experience in the handling of small craft under sail or power, and a' good knowledge of practical seamanship. Some knowledge of elementary navigation is desirable. Officers ha'vo no engineering duties to perform. The training consists of a month's course in navigation at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich, and a further period at Southampton in the depot ship H.M.S. Hcrinione, where the newly entered officer receives instruction'in drill, gunnery, signalling, practical seamanship, etc. On the conclusion of the training period officers are appointed to the armed motor vessels, which are engaged in patrol and other duties round tho British coasts and in other parts of tho world. (2) The men required for engine-room duties need have no previous experience afloat, hut must be mechanics by profession, with good experience in the running and repairing of internal combustion • engines, preferably of the marine or motor-car type. Applications from those at present engaged in the essential industries of this country are not desired. Ago limits, nineteen to forty-five. Two grades are required, chief motor mechanics and motor mechanics. For the higher rating, which corresponds to chief petty officer in the Royal Navy, at least five years' workshop experience is required. Two years in the shops will qualify a man for rating as motor mechanic. A man entered in the lower rating can gain promotion to the higher if he proves efficient. The men ore given a course of training in H.M.S. Hcrmione before being appointed to tho patrol vessels. The rates of pay and allowances for officers and men are as follows: — RATES OF PAY. Officers are granted commissions as temporary sub-lieutenants, Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, and receive the ordinary pay of an officer of that rank in the Royal Navy, namely, 7s (xl pelday. In the motor-boat servico they receive in addition £ls for uniform, and certain allowances which vary accoiding to the duties on which they are employed. These allowances averago about 3s per day, when the officer victuals himself. Separation allowance is not paid by tho British Admiralty to tho wives or dependants of comraiaI sioned officers. Chief motor mechanics receive 5s 6d per day; allowance on similar scale as officers—£7 10s for uniform, and separation allowance on the same scale as a chief pettv* officer in tho Royal Navy. Motor mechanics are paid 2s Cd per day. and allowance, £5 10s, for uniform and separation allowances as for seamen in the Royal Navy. ENLISTMENT. Selected candidates, if released from their military duties by the Department of Defence, will be provisionally enlisted in New Zealand ami sunt at once to England, where, their entry being confirmed, they will commence their training forthwith. Officers and men are enlisted for the period of hostilities, and are given free transport to England and back to their . homes on receiving" their discharge-. Candidates who have not already registered thoir names should apply m writing to the Auxiliary Patrol Committee, Parliamentary Buildings, Wellington stating the nature of the. appointment which they desire. 'lheyMvill then receive an rfficial application form and full particulars as to pay, allowances, etc.