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From: Russ Barron (Ex Dvr Opr, Dvr, Gun Sgt - 32'E'Bty. Svy Sgt, BSM - HQ Bty 3
Field Regiment RNZA)
Date: 07 Jun 1999
Time: 04:52:43
Remote Name: 203.97.2.247
At Midday the sound of gunfire reveberated across the the green playing fields of Hagley Park in Christchurch. This was the begining of the 21 Gun salute for the Queen our Captain General, It was also the end of the Artllery (Guns) in the South Island. The question that some of us ask is:
"There are 2 main International airports in New Zealand (Auckland and Christchurch) If a head of state arrives or departs from Auckland then 16 Field Regiment controls the salute, but if that aircraft is diverted or is planned to arrive at Christchurch. How do we as a country honour the head of state without a saluting base in the South Island".
I doubt that even the bean counters can claim that the cost of maintaning a battery of guns in the South Island is dearer than bringing a battery of guns down south from the Nouth Island.
Based on my research the cost to maintain six of the existing M101A1 guns in the South Island is approx $4,800.00 per year. The cost to bring a Battery down from the North Island would in excess of $25,000.00. If one head of state arrives in Christchurch in the next 5 years we have saved money.
Maybe the been counters should relook at this issue.
Any comments you may wish to add will be gladly accepted.
Russell Barron.