THE EASTER ENCAMPMENT.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7804, 6 March 1891, Page 6

THE EASTER ENCAMPMENT.

MEETING OP OFFICERS. A meeting .of otlicers from the North Canterbury Volunteers was held last night Iα the College orderly room- LieutenantColonel GoiUou presided, aad there were present—Majorßichards/Captains Harper, Bristow, Bowron, Whiteside, Lieutenants J oyce, Ross, Weekes and Don-aid.

The Chairman said that ihe meeting was to consider what arrangements would be convenient for Volunteers at the Easter camp. He knew nothing definitely of the camp being held, except that he had been asked how many men and horses were likely to go. He presumed the camp would be held, and it would be well to make arrangements in anticipation of that. At a meeting of officers of the Rifle Battalion after last parade, the subject was talked over, but it was agreed that uothlng definite should be done until all officers were present. The first thine; was auout the cooking. He asked if the cooking should be general or confined, to each corps. ■ . After some talk as to the success of the cooking by each corps it was agreed that each company have its own kitchen and equipment and cook, bell tents to be provided for the cooks iv case of wet. Each corps, the Cbairmun explained, would have to cart its own luggage to the Christchurch Kailway btaiion,~ and at Oainaru means would be provided by Colonel Sumpter for conveying baggage and so forth to the camp. Horses and guns would have to be taken into Oainaru. The cavalry would camp on the Oainaru Show ground and the artillery with the other companies. He understood that Lyttelton luggage would be conveyed by rail without transhipment. The organisation of the troops would be a matter for Colonel Bailey. They could only have one infantry battalion, and he anticipated ; that both North and South Canterbury J would be made an even battalion. The rations would be 21b of meat and lib of , bread per man per day, with the condiments usually allowed, and wood and straw would be provided. The men would not be paid, but rations would be issued. Fatigue parties might be allowed 60 go down the previous day, but if they were they would not be paid. Tim camp was to be run on the "skinflint policy," and they would have to do the best they could, if as reported, Captain Anderson was coming down, he would pitch the camp probably with regular Artillery. Companies might send down spare tents. It was anticipated that some 2aoo Volunteers would be present. Captain Whiteside brought up the question of means of transit!;, and ex* pressed a decided objection to covered trucks with seats. The rolling stock employed at the different camps was spoken of, after which the Chairman said he was afraid the Railway Department would use the trucks mentioned. It was holiday time, and it would be a great inconvenience to the Department to find ordinary carriages. He also suggested that to prevent accident owners of refreshment rooms on the road should be advised to bar the doors.

It was agreed that there should be an officers' me-is for Canterbury Bine Volunteer Officers and the Chairman undertook to communicate with some one in Oamaru to provide a cook, and also with Major Feld wick and Captain Meeson about organising a mess for each of the brigades under their charge. l'he meeting then closed.