NAVAL DIVISION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 May 1938, Page 8

NAVAL DIVISION

RETIRING COMMODORE’S SURVEY GOOD PROGRESS TOWARDS OBJECTIVE VALUE OF THE RESERVE (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, May 29. Satisfaction with the continued progress made by the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy was expressed by the retiring Commodore, Rear-Admiral the Hon E. R. Drummond, at a farewell gathering given in his honour on Saturday night by the ex-Royal Naval Men’s Association in Auckland. An apology for absence was received from the Minister of Defence, the Hon F. Jones.

“Our naval personnel has won and has always maintained the highest reputation,” Rear-Admiral Drummond said, “and I am glad to be able to tell you that the men of the New Zealand Division are keeping up that reputation.

“We are getting a very good type of recruit and are progressing very well toward our objective of having the division manned entirely by New Zealanders.”

The Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve was also proving a great adjunct, Rear-Admiral Drummond added. The various divisions were highlyefficient, and great credit was due to those who gave up so much of their leisure to assist in the defence of their country.

The Mayor of Auckland, Sir Ernest Davis, had recently stressed the importance of coastal shipping in time of war, and full consideration was being given to the provision of ships and the training of the personnel. It had to be realised that in war time merchant shipping would have to be intensively armed. . . “I am leaving this country with very much regret,” Rear-Admiral Drummond concluded. “Although my official connection with New Zealand will be severed, I can assure you the personal link will still remain, as I most certainly intend to come back again.” During the evening Rear-Admiral Drummond was presented with a table napkin ring in silver bearing the badge of the Auckland association.