SEA CADETS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24414, 27 September 1940, Page 9

SEA CADETS

NEW HEADQUARTERS OFFICIALLY OPENED BY MAYOR A PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT The new headquarters of the Dunedin Navy League Sea Cadets, a unit that in two years has expanded from a handful of 10 boys to a thriving body of 130 keen youths, were officially opened by the Mayor (Mr A. H. Allen) at a successful function last night. The new headquarters in the basement of the Old Garrison Hall provide full facilities for the varied activities of the boys, and the members of the public who were present last night were deeply interested in the course of instruction given the cadets. Great Improvements to Hall In the few weeks that the cadets have occupied their new headquarters, they have transformed it from a neglected, colourless series of baserr.ent rooms into a spick and span "ship." They have used I 'paint and whitewash to give to it an appearance of freshness and cleanliness, and carpenters amongst them have carried out repairs to floors and walls and effected numerous improvements. People interested in the movement have given valuable gear and equipment to the unit, and the cadets are very .proud of their growing nossessions. Welcoming those present. Commander Fraser referred to the rapid growth of the movement in the past two years. The roll had now reached 130, he said, and it had become necessary to decline further enrolments in the meantime, as there were not sufficient instructors available. When they were able to secure more instructors, more boys would be accepted. Their new home was a Government building, and he thanked Mr P. Keller, district Public Works engineer, for his assistance in securing the rooms for the movement. Commander Fraser referred to the fine record of the R.N.V.K. in Dunedin. and said that the cadets were following in the footsteps of the reservists who had responded so well to the call of duty! Dunedin would be proud of its cadets in the years to come. « Congratulations Extended The Mayor, declaring the new headquarters officially open, congratulated the boys on their fine appearance and for offering their services to their country. He expressed the hope that it would not be necessary for their services to be used, and that the war would be over before they were old enough to go on active service. Mr Allen referred to the great deeds being performed by the Royal Air Force, but. he said, it was no more than the work of the Royal Navy, while the Army, of course, was doing its share. He expressed the hope that the movement would continue to progress and wished the boys every success for the future. When the parade was dismissed, the boys went to their various lecture rooms for training, and a squad did physical drill. The visitors inspected with interest the well-equipped wireless room, the signalling squad at work, the groups learning knots and ropesplicing, and the classes taking lectures. Another spectacular feature was the exhibition of rope climbing carried out by an instructor and several cadets. After the classes had been completed, Mr J. Sutherland Ross, president of the Otago branch of the Navy League, expressed his pleasure at the condition of the hall and the smart appearance and keenness of the boys. He thanked the Mayor for his attendance, and all who had assisted with the movement, and wished the boys every success in their work. Mr Ross assured the City Council and the people of Dunedin that the movement was here to stay, and appealed for support for it.