"TERRIERS" AT TAPAWERA

IMPROVED WEATHER CONDI-

TIONS

GOOD WORK BEING DONE

(By Our Special Reporter.)

TAPAWERA, Tusday. 'Weather conditions having become settled, existence at the Tapawera Territorial camp is pleasant, and the break in.the yearly routine is being generally appreciated. Last week, however, Tapawera was" "a cheerless locality. Literally, it rained "cats and dogs" on Friday and Saturday, and leaking tents, wet blankets, and sodden boots made even the hardiest Territorial sigh for home comforts. Still it wias an experience, which, it might be suggested, is essential in the development of the hardy New Zealander capable of engaging; in active war service. Now a general feeling of satisfaction obtains, and both men a*nd officers are entering zealously upon their alioted tasks. The nights are fresh, but the days are' fine, and already the value of the training received in the opening days is being reflected in a decided improvement in the work done. This

is particularly the case in the recounted squadron. The headquarters staff comprises Colonel It. A. Chaffey, V.D., in charge, Lieutenant-Colonel Pearless (Ambulance Corps), Major J. G. Hughes, and Captain T. Lilico (Veterinary Officer). The genial colonel is particularly popular with his men, and it has been amply evident that he has the necessary attributes for one holding so high a position—a pleasing disposition whilst off parade and a strength of character when military service is being engaged in that compels the attention of all members of the rank and fJe. Lieutenant-Colonel W. H. W. H. Bryant, V.D., is in command/ of the 12th INelson Infantry Regiment, with Captain Thorns as adjutant. In the absence of Major H. 08. Deck, Captain H. E. Avery, who with Captain Thorns has done splendid organisation work, is in change of the Tenth Mounted Regiment.

A new system, conforming with that in vogue in other countries, has been adopted in connection with, the formation of infantry regiments,«and B, Company, comprising Blenheim Territorials, becomes D. Company under the new regime. Sergeant E. Simson, of the Tenth Mounted Regiment, has been appointed! drum-major to the Tenth. M.lt. Band during camp. Trooper H. Grace, of the maxim gun squadron, has been promoted to lance-corporal, and Sergeant E. Wanden, of the same section, has been temporarily transferred to the A. squadron. Corporal E. M Matthews has been promoted to Trumpeter Sergeant. The ramp is not lacking in means before and after parades. Really good work, which, it can be seen, is appreciated by the men, has been done in this connection by the Rev. Fielder Taylor, assisted by the Rev. G. H. Curie and a. committee of Territorials. A series of nightly entertainments has been arranged, commencing on Monday night with; a1 number of stirring boxing contests, of which Colonel Chaffoy and Major Hughes were interested spectators.' The programmes for each evening will be of a miscellaneous- nature, varying from mock trials and debates to • musical items. '..Cards and kindred •games generally occupy the attention of a. large number in the social Mil ereoted by the Nelson branch of the Chirrch of England Men's Society, and a piano is often the means of inducing spirited choruses of the latest songs. In point of fact, the social hall has been p>roved to be totally inadequate, and some of the entertainments will probably take place in the open-air. Blenheim Territorials have made their presence Ttnown, a.nd several of them are frequently to the fore in introducing a little excitement into the camp life. The Tenth Mounted, and Twelfth Regimental Baaids discourse musical programmes daily, and are also^ indulging in a. good deal of practice.' Standing orders provide that mounted men must not imov© about the camp at a greater pace than a walk; but this rule was -seriously transgressed on Monday by. an amateur horseman from the band (which, by the way, is supposed to be mounted). The budding Deeley,. wliose lack of knowledge of horsemanship would evidently fill volumes, proceeded safely to the neighboring township on horseback, but on the return journey the bridle broke inside the camp bounds, and the steed bolted. The escapade was witnessed by a goodly number of Territorials and officers, many' of whom speculated as to how long the rider would, retain his.seat. The animal's pace; continued unabated, but the rider ultimately checked her career by turning her up a hillside. Taking into consideration the circumstances, the authorities decided not to take any action against the horseman.