C.C.F. Notes

the whole fleeces. All wool is handled and sold by the British Wool Marketing Board through its authorised agents, who, as wool merchants collect the wool, grade and value it and pay for it. They are then reimbursed by the Board who put the wool up for public auction.

At the final two meetings of the term, on 14th and 28th March, Mr. Deas showed a series of agricultural films. These covered many aspects of farming and their value was greatly enhanced by the helpful comments which Mr. Deas made between the films. Subjects covered included grain-drying, the functions of crawler tractors, modernisation and mechanisation of farms, the adoption of farms by schools, the dangers of rust to farm equipment and the canning of fruit and vegetables. In the last film it was shown how important is the co-operation between the farmer and the canner, because crops must be staggered so that they can be dealt with the moment they reach maturity. By means of such co-operation it is possible to gather a crop of peas, process them and can them within two hours of picking. W. I.M.

The term started with a reshuffle of Senior N.C.O.s. Flight Sgt. Welch relinquished his appointment with the Recruits to Sgt. K. Brown, and took over command of the R.A.F. Section.

Training proceeded much as usual at this time of the year, with the emphasis on the examinations. The Army Training Platoon took Certificate "A", Part II, on Tuesday, 26th March, and the results were satisfactory.

The N.C.O. Cadre has been fulfilling its role of supplying capable instructors. A special team of Weapon Training Instructors, under Cpl. M. B. Wilson, were allotted to assist with the Certificate "A" candidates, having quickly mastered the new lessons. A strong party from the R.A.F. Section joined the Cadre and showed considerable enthusiasm. Towards the end of term, Bdr. Macdonald, with some assistance, started a special class on Gunnery—the main feature of this being the .22 attachment shooting with the 25-pdr. gun. It is hoped that this will stimulate training in the R.A. detachment next term.

Under the leadership of the new Drum Major, M. G. Hancock, the Band has been much more active than is usual at this time. Competition to join has been most keen.

The Signallers gained some well-deserved publicity with the efficient way that they handled the commentary on the cross-country race. S/S/Sgt. Clough, who has now taken over charge of the Signal Store, demands a high standard of efficiency. 43

Owing to the lack of outside assistance this term, a considerable amount of extra work had to be done in the Armoury. The Armourer Sgt. and his assistant have maintained the usual high standard.

At the end of term, the Drill Examination for the Basic Section took place. The standard was very much better than had been expected. The second part of the examination will take place early next term.

C.S.M. Netherwood has made a considerable effort to improve the general standard of drill in the Contingent by holding his own revision classes for N.C.O.s; his example in this has been excellent and he will be missed next term. We wish him success in his National Service.

R.A.F. SECTION

The results of the December examinations showed, as is usually the case, that those who really want to pass them can do so by their own efforts. The Proficiency passes were few, but of the eleven Cadets taking the Advanced paper, eight passed, and Corporal Gosling is to be congratulated on passing with credit. The Advanced pass is no qualification in itself, but always carries weight in selection for commissions and other competitive offers.

Flight Sgt. Welsh became the N.C.O. in charge of the Section this term.

We were pleased to hear that N. D. Taylor, who left last term, started his training for a Royal Air Force career as a pilot at Cranwell in January. E. S. Portlock is training as a National Service pilot in Canada, and E. C. Sedman has started training for his commission in National Service ground duties in the Royal Air Force.

R.N. SECTION

For the greater part of this term, the Naval Section has been engaged in the P.O. and Leading Seaman Examinations, and the results have been extremely satisfactory. Nine Cadets have passed for P.O., which requires a very high standard, and five for Leading Seaman. The importance of the practical side of these examinations connot be overestimated and several parades have been devoted entirely to Power of Command Training.

The whaler and the dinghy have been thoroughly cleaned and overhauled under the supervision of Lg. /Sea. Franklin. During the course of next term it is hoped to use both of them as much as possible, and particularly the dinghy. The purpose of this is to give some of the younger members of the Section instruction in handling sailing boats.

Finally, the two Stores ratings, Clark and Wheeler, must be mentioned. Their never-failing co-operation and efficiency con- tributes much to the smooth administration of the Section.