PLATOON PARADES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 November 1939, Page 7

PLATOON PARADES

4N MASTERTON LAST NIGHT. EXCELLENT INSTRUCTIONAL WORK. The fortnightly parade of Nos. 1 and 2 Platoons C Company (Lewis Gunners) Hawke’s Bay Regiment was held in the Drill Hall last night. The parade was in charge of Captain J. T. 1 Fowler. S.S.M. C. E. Rogers, N.Z.P.S., drilled the men for a few minutes before the N.C.O.’s took charge of the sections. Working through the rifle exercises, the men executed the various movements with smartness and precision. The Transport section, Hawke’s Bay Regiment, went to the workshop of Fagan Motors Ltd, where as the result of the generosity of Mr P. F. Fagan, the men were given instruction on heavy traffic vehicles by a highly qualified mechanic. Much valuable experience was gained in removing heavy traffic wheels, tyres, and general maintenance work. During the evening tuition in barbed wiring and digging section posts illustrated on a sand table was given by Sergeant A. W. Thompson. An innovation to the present facilities available for demonstration purposes at the Drill Hall, and the work of Sergeant Thompson, the sand table proved of considerable value in illustrating the practical hard work of digging trenches and erecting wire to be experienced in the near future, when weekend bivouacs are to be held. Instruction in bayonet fighting, rifle grenade firing, Lewis gun training and fire control orders were thoroughly dealt with during the evening's training. Captain Fowler congratulated the winning team in the recent rifle exercises competition, and expressed his pleasure at the smart turnout. Lieutenants H. FI. Hollow and R. Martin were present for the inspection of the parade. Company Sergeant-Major J. K. Welch, who supervised the training work carried out. dismissed the company.