THE TERRITORIALS

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14327, 12 April 1912, Page 8

THE TERRITORIALS

TEMPLETON CAMP ENDS

ENTHUSIASM OF MEN

POPULAR OFFICERS

(BY OUR SriXIAL I'.ErOUTKK.) About nine days ago an advance party of Territorials proceeded to Templeton and in a huge paddock there a canvas township grew up quickly under their hands. Till yesterday it, was a centre cf bustle and activity, and then it. was swept, away ns quickly as if. came into being; but pleasant- memories of it will linger long in the minds of those whom it sheltered. Yesterday morning the men were mustered and instructed regarding their duties. Then rones that bound 'the tents to the pegs wore unloosed, and tho men stood ready; a buglo call rang out, and down went the tents with a rush. Thoy wero thou folded up ancl thrust into bags, and there was keen competition as to who should be finished first, the honour going to E Company. Tho straw was gathered up roughly and piled in a stack, and then the men, armed with buckets and rakes, advanced across the ground ami mado a clean sweeo. The larger tents of the V.M.C.A. "and C.EJLS. wero struck, and then cheerful grins which met the eye on every side indicated that the most pleasant function was to come. This was the payment of tho Territorials. Trestle tables wero put up, and each man, stepping forward as his namo was called in alphabetical order, received the sum of *.>s (!> days at -Is a day). Most of them jingled tho cash cheerfully in their pocket, till the order ''Dismiss" was given, and then made a bee-line for the canteen. The only drinks available wero "soft" ones, yet nevertheless a thriving trade was done-

Lunch was partaken of in the o.K-n----air, and the baggage vans commenced to arrivo and load up. Three cheers were given for the cooks, and another three tor Regimental Sergeant-Major Henderson, who was, in addition, carried shoulder high. The men donned full marching kit. and wero drawn up ready to t.iart, and then Lieut.-Colouel G. J. Smith addressed them, expressing his t_reat satisfaction at their excellent conduct in camp and their keenness in discharging their duties. At alu.ut 2 o'clock all was ready, the order "Quick march" wa.s given, and the long khaki column moved briskly off. At the head marched several pipers, playing merrily, l'ben came tho Territorials, and they wero followed by the ambulance vans' and a lino of baggage waggons. At Yaldhurst a drummer-boy met the troops, and added his cheerful rataplan to tho skirl of the pipes. Tho men marched finely, and Sergt.-Major Henderson expressed the opinion that the way they got over tho ground would havo done credit to a regiment of regulars. They were allowed three short halts, and reached the King Edward Barracks at 5 o'clock. The waywas further enlivened by the cracking of jokes, many at tho expense of the carriers, who took it in very good part, and by the singing of popular chorus songs such as "Harrigan," and "I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now." Before thc men broke off cheers were given for Colonel Smith and tho other officers. Tho popularity of tho officers was, in fact, an outstanding feature of tho camp.

In conversation with our representative, Colonel Smith reiterated what ho had already said regarding tho excellent conduct and tho keenness of the men. "[ cannot speak too', highly of them,'' ho added. Rev. F. Dunnage, tho chaplain, said: —"I havo been in camp most of the time and consider that the conduct of tho men was excellent. The only complaints 1 heard were from men who wero growling about not being allowed to stay in camp longer! In tho old days tho men had-nothing to do after parades but to adjourn to tho nearest hotel. This ye;ar they havo had recourse to tho reading matter rind' games provided by tho V.M.C.A. and tho G.E.M.o. instead. These two iastitutions have done admirable work."

Our representative chatted to a number of the men, all of whom expressed themselves as entirely satisfied with the treatment meted out to them. "We've got- nothing to growl about." said one. '"'What with plenty to road, sports, football matches, concerts Tound the camp fire at nights, good food, and considerate officers, we've had a really good time." The management of Ballina,'.? canteen was also referred to in terms of approbation. The. camp has, indeed, proved a triumph for the compulsory traiiiing scheme, and should do more than anything else to refute tho arguments of "passive resistors." (PI.ESS ASSOCIATION TFLKGK\M ) AUCKLAND, April 11. Thc dangers of camp life formed the subject of discussion at the Church, of England Alen's Society conference at Auckland this morning. A resolution was carried that an endeavour bo mado to arrange Church services in all military camps in New Zealand.