THE TERRITORIALS.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14657, 5 May 1913, Page 5

THE TERRITORIALS.

TEMPLETON CAMP.

MEN WET, BUT CHEERFUL

The ways of tho men now in tho Casualty Camp at Templeton are wonderful examples of how the young colonial can be happy under weather con-

ditions that would make miserable

nearly anybody. For days now it has rained almost withput ceasing, the downfall varying from the thick mist that soaks in to wind-driven hailstones that sting the face and hands. Tho tents are' wet, but thero has been no complaints that they aro leaking,

and the system of trenching has kept tho bedding dry. The salvation of the situation, Captain A. C. CritchleySalmonson says, is tho messing of the men in marquees. It may not be in accord with service conditions as the camp should be, but it has meant immense convenience to tho men themselves, and has allowed lectures to be delivered two at a time, both in the* days and tho evenings. He adds that all tho nion are taking affairs in tho proper spirit, and seem wonderfully content when tho circumstances are considered. They aro very well fed, and he joins with them in congratulating Quartermaster-Sergeant Austin on the thoroughness and satisfactory nature of his arrangements. Apart, from tho ordinary meals, at tho conclusion of the lectures each evening either hot soup or hot coffee, with biscuit*, is served out. On Saturday night and last night it was brought to the lecture tents and consumed there, so that still warm from it, the men were able to go straight to their blankets. Tho cooks, too, are said to t>e doing good work. The only complaints received so far havo been about wet feet and leaky boots, but as about ninety pairs of service boots have been sold to men in tho camp, and these are quite watertight, that matter seems to have been fairly well dealt with.

On Saturday afternoon tho men were taken out to practice an elementary attack scheme, and a pientitudo of blank cartridgo added much to their enjoyment. Two lines were sent out, under Second Lieut. Do Roos, and two ser-geant-majors, to represent the enemy. They occupied a position m a hedge at the far boundary of tho camp. mo remainder of the men were the attacking force. Word haying been brought of tho enemy's position by the scouts, the main body proceeded to attack tlio position, but found it too strong and had to retire by successivo lines. (Japtain Salmonsen criticised what had been done. He sent men back to camp for more ammunition, and told/ Lieut. Do Roos to leave a few men in the original position, and to take all the remainder to a position on the flank, with orders to open tiro w4ien they were ready, so that it might be seen what the_ section would do when it heard firing on the flank. When nre opened they faced to it, leaving two companies to continue the original attack. Having gained superiority of fire, a charge was made and the position carried. Arms having been examined, and ammunition collected, the men marched back to camp. That night Sergt.-Major Shean lectured on landscape targets, and Captain oalmonson on scouting., • Yesterday reveille wns delayed for half an hour, and blown at seven instead of at G. 30. Tho time-table for day was: Breakfast, 8; tent and rifle inspection, D.30; dinner, 12.30. In the afternoon, as the weather had prevented any chaplain coming out, Captain Salmonson conducted a brief service, limited to reading tho special prayers, the Lord's Prayer, and the singing of a hymn. In the evening two voluntary lectures were giveji by Captain Salmonson, the one on- landscape targets and the other on elementary night operations'.

The discipline of the camp has been excellent throughout, and the only men fined wero the occupants of one tent who talked and sang a little after lights out. In consideration of the general good behaviour a number were given leave until ten o'clock last night. In connection with" this camp there is one excellent innovation: Before men go out or leave they are inspected, so that ,it shall be certain they will not appear in uniform with dirty buttons, mis-worn belts, or, slovenly puttees. The tents are all being Kept well, a-na there is keen competition as to which shall have its name in the day's Orders as having been the best. Yesterday the honour was divided between 3 l> ana It will be remembered that oa tho first day in camp the men subscribed £1 13s 3d'towards the hire of a piauo._ it> now transpires that the instrument has been lent free of charge, so the amount will go towards providing a supper tor the smoking concert to bo held .on Thursday night, after the. tootball match, A, B, C,, l> lines against E, F, G, H. The C.E.M.S. has promised to come out to tho camp on Tuesday next, and an effort -will bo mado to provide tnem with a Government marquee. Tho health of the camp continues ex-i cellent.