BREAKING UP.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12177, 25 April 1905, Page 10

BREAKING UP.

Ye--terdav morning the men folded their tents' and stole away. But- not silently. Bugles blared, cheers rang out blank cartridges blazed, and volunteer.* huzzaed. Nearly everybody was sorry to leave Sheffield, for the camp had'been one of the most enjoyable held for year-. Usually, -there are at least one or two ''regrettable incidents," but this time absolutely nothing of a disagreeable nature occurred. Except for the deluge at Darfield, the weather throughout was splendid—fine but cold with 'an invigorating nip in the air. Out* hid to keep movine to remain warm, especially at Sheffield. A howling nor'-wester blow most of the time, and it was not like a nor'-wester in Christchurch. It- came straight down from the tops of the snow-wreathed ranges, and rattled round one's sides with piercing keenness. Tho men had anything but an easy time ye.-terd-iy morning. At '3 a.m. they liad to leave their cosy bunks nnd turn out into the shivering cold for tho purpose of trying to make things warm for Ma ior Chaffey and his mounted men, who had gone out the previous night. Hot coffee was thoughtfully served out, and then they flitted away into the blackness, with never a sound or murmur to mark their departure. After about three hours manoeuvring they returned to camp, tired, warm nnd dirty, and breakfasted with an appetite that has to be felt to be appreciated. Tho operations had now concluded, and from after breakfast tho mounted men began to get nway. The infantry followed later, the first train, with the South Canterbury men, leaving shortly nfter one o'clock. The North Canterbury companies entrained nt 2.45. They had been waiting in the vicinity of the railway station .from shortly nfter 12 o'clock. It was rather a tedious intervnl, but with song and je-st and laugh they chased the minutes nway, and the scene was bright and gay. Tho baggage was got on board without any hitch, and tlie men stowed themselves away into the -seated waggons provided. After one or two false alarms the train at last steamed out for home, and left 'mid the Mearty cheers of the assembled spectators. Good timo was made, Christchurch being reached l>efore five o'clock.