MOTOR-BOAT PATROL

Nelson Evening Mail, 22 September 1916, Page 7

MOTOR-BOAT PATROL

MEN NEEDED FOR SERVICE. NAVAL MEN IN NEW ZEALAND. Four representatives pf the British Admiralty arrived at Wellington by the Main Trunk express from Auckland the other dav, savs the Post, on a special mission to New Zealand. They were Commander E. P. Armstrong, and Lj eu ~ tenants Mitchell, Brown, and Cox. three Naval Reserve officers, who arrived at Auckland ! by the Niagara from Vancouver on Monday. In Canada they sought for recruits for the special motorboat patrol service, ar.d it- is understood that they have come to New Zealand with a similar purpose in view. Commander Armstrong when approached yesterday, said' he was hot in a position to make an statement regarding th» object of his visit to New Zealand until lie had conferred with the New Zealand Government.

It is gathered, however, that the result of the mission to Canada was completely satisfaetorv. and that owing to the_ excision of the motor-boat patrol service during recent months the authorities have decided that the touring officers shall carry their mission to other parts of the Empire. Both officers and mechanics are needed. The statement is made that much of the Admiralty's success in dealing with the submarine menace on the coasts of the British Isles, and the shores of the Mediterranean, is due to the effective work of the long.- fast motor-boats, ■which are fitted -with powerful engines, and carry a light, quick-firing gun. These ereyhuonds of the sea are said to perform exceptionally well in their thrilling chases after the "unterseebooten."