FURTHER TESTS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21280, 26 November 1940, Page 4

FURTHER TESTS

NEW 60-POUNDER GUN TROOPS AT WAIOURU Further exhaustive tests of the 60pounder gun of the 7th Medium Battery, New Zealand Artillery, Hamilton, were carried out at Waiouru military camp on Sunday and yesterday, and inspecting officers expressed themselves as highly satisfied with its performance. Following manoeuvres over rough paddocks, light scrub and hills and gullies, during which the pneumatic tyres demonstrated the gun’s extra mobility, the 60-pounder was taken along a good road at a speed that was surprising considering the previous top speed of the battery's gun. Prior to the live shoot manoeuvres there was a special demonstration shoot from the new type of gun, a special screen test being conducted by Army Headquarters’ officers. Aeroplane Takes Part Experience of shooting at a target that was ‘spotted’ by an aeroplane was gained by members of the battery yesterday when the combined manoeuvres with a plane from the Royal New Zealand Air Force were undertaken. Although this type of shooting demands very speedy work on the part of the gun crews to enable the circling plane to observe and signal the result of the shoot, all shots were fired to time and the target was quickly located. The brilliant weather experienced yesterday continues to-day and all ranks are enjoying the change from the cold conditions of last week. Nearly all ranks are out on further manoeuvres and are clothed in shorts. Although the Bth Medium Battery, Wellington, and the First Field Regiment will be leaving Waiouru on Wednesday to trek back to their bases, the 7th Medium ’Battery will probably return by train on Friday, as’ it has had extensive experience on treks.