CAMPS CONCLUDE.

Auckland Star, Issue LVII, 1 March 1926, Page 10

CAMPS CONCLUDE.

SUCCESSFUL TRAINING. PRAISE FROM COMMANDER. Prior to tlie members of the Ist Battalion Auckland Regiment leaving camp at Hopuhopu on Saturday, Colonel E. G. Fraser, officer commanding, addressed them on the parade ground, and referred to the excellent manner in which officers and men had worked, for the good of the company.

The colonel said that he wished to express his deep sense of appreciation of the manner in which all had worked towards a common end for the good of their units. It was \ery gratifying to see the ready manner in which all had tried to carry out their tasks to the best of their ability, and it had been particularly pleasing to see the rapid improvement that had been made. "By your efforts," said Colonel Fraser. "you have raised a standard which. I am sure, will be an example to all the infantry battalions in New Zealand. When you first entered camp I thought my task was going to be a difficult one, but, thanks to the ready h lp of your officers and n.c.O.'s, and your own personal eliorts and ready response, my work has been a pleasure. In tlie near future, with your help and co-operation, I hope sincerely that you will be classified as the best infantry battalion in the Xew Zealand Military Forces. With more training and determination on your part to be the best battalion, I am sure my hopes will be realised.

"I must tell you, as an old soldier and an old Anzac, that I am proud of you, and believe that, so long as you pull together and take a pride in yourself, your section, your platoon, your company and your battalion, those fine traditions which had been handed down to you will be in safe keeping.' , continued the colonel. "Should the time ever come, you will be found ready, and the deeds of those who have gone before you. wonderful as they were, will be excelled by the splendid youth of this lovely country."

The colonel concluded by pointing out that, although some young men look upon the task of rendering service to their country as an irksome one. they had a serioiis duty to perform, in that, riy rendering that service they were helping to keep inviolate our Empire.

The colonel received a letter from Colonel A. B. Charters, in which that officer congratulated the troops on the fine showing they made before Fis Excellency the Governor-General on Friday. 3rd Fieia Battery, N.Z.A. The 3rd Battery N.Z.A. (O.C. Lieutenant H. H. Osmers, M.M.) returned from its annual camp at Hopuhopu on Saturday afternoon. Two officers and 170 men of the battery were in camp. A strenuous week of training was carried out and resulted in a very marked improvement in the efficiency of the battery.

The battery was judged for the cup to be presented to the most efficient unit in the Ist brigade, and each man did his utmost to help the battery win the cup. As there is still another battery to do the week in camp, the results of "the judging have not yet been issued. As there were about 70 horses for the use of the unit they were able to train as a fully-mounted 4-gun battery. Section training was. done from Sunday till Tuesday, and from Wednesday till Friday shoots were conducted each day.

On Tuesday, Major-General Young (G.O.C. N.Z. Forces) inspected the battery, on Thursday the Director of Artillery (Lt.-Colonel Symon, C.M.G., D.5.0.) paid the unit a visit, and on Friday it was again inspected by the Governor-General (Sir Charles Fergusson). Each of these officers spoke to the battery and complimented them on their appearance and on the work they did.

On Friday afternoon a sports meeting was held in camp, and was welltended by the local people. The results of the events were:— Long Jump.—Dr. Richards 1, Bdr. Riach 2. Wrestling on Horseback. —Dr. Richards. ■ 100 Yards Battery Championship.—Bdr. Riach 1. Gnr. Knntr 2. Boat Race.—A Subspction. High Jump.—Gnr. Knott 1, Dr. Richards o V.C. Race.—Dr. Kiene 1, Dr. Richards Tug of War on Horseback. —F. Subsection. Potato Race.—Dr. Richards 1, Bdr. Bockptt 2. Relay Race. —A Subsection. Ladies' Race. —Miss Graves 1, Miss Wilson 2. Jack and Jill Race.—Miss Way and Sgt. Leatherbarrow. Staff Race (for R.X.Z.A. only).—Bdr. Skinner 1, Sgt. McDonald 2. Trophies were given tn all the winners. On Friday evening a complimentary dance, arranged by Lieut. C. P. Harppf, was given by the battery to the residents of Taupiri in thp Taupiri Hall. It proved very successful, the hall being taxi>d to the utmost. On Saturday afternoon the battery entrained at 2.20 p.m. and left for Auckland. During the course of the camp the conduct and discipline of the men was most exemplary.