SOUTH CANTERBURY MOUNTED RIFLES' CAMP.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 12015, 17 October 1904, Page 5

SOUTH CANTERBURY MOUNTED RIFLES' CAMP.

The First Battalion of the South Canterbury Mounted Rifles want into camp' it Winchester last Thursday, when there was a muster of 123 of all ranks. Tho camp, which is located in iv large paddock belonging to Mr De Renzi, about thre*]uarters of a mile from tlie railway station, is most compact and business looking. ■ Major J.- T. M. Hay hurst is in x>mmand, with Captain Bruce Gillies as Adjutant. The recent wet weather has iiad a considerable effect on the attenduice, as many of the men are sheep farmsrs, and have been unablo to get away. The and Geraldine Mounted Rifles have suffered in attendance through this .cause. The South Canterbury \lounted Rifles, Ashburton Mounted Rifles, md Studholme Mounted Rifles, are all well represented. On the arrival of the corps in camp en Thursday afternoon tents were pitched, and sentries posted over tlie horse ines by - each .squadron. On Friday morning the Battalion was at work early, md Major Hayhurst laid his scheme, for ihe week's work 'before the officers. Directy after breakfast the men were exercised in squad drill, rifle and firing exercises. In the afternoon mounted drill was taken, rhe men shaping very well indeed. On Saturday .tlie men were given musketry and firing .exercises by the Staff Instructor, followed by a mounted parade, at which nil the squadron." moved well. The Banfurly Cup will be fired for to-morro.w, the camp breaking up on Thursday, when \ programme of military sports will be carried out. During fh'e week the corps will be. inspected by Colonel Bancbop. Tho .-total number of men in camp by Saturday had increased to 150. Sergeant Brown (Geraldine Mounted 'Rifles) has been permanently appointed Reorimental Quartermaster-Sergeant. Mr A. Budd, of Timaru, is caterer for tho camp.

THre will Iwa, davlipht parade of .both tlraPNorth Canterbury Infantry Battalion next- Saturday afternoon. Tho No. 2 infantry battalion will be on parade on Wednesday night. , .