RIFLE CLUB CAMP.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 478, 10 April 1909, Page 6

RIFLE CLUB CAMP.

"' S ''";"". "'A HITCH OCCURS. (BT TELEGRAPH—SPECIA.V EEPOETEE.) Palmerston, April 9. Unfortunately a fiasco occurred in connection with the rifle club camp of instruction, now in course'of progress at Palmerston North. Definite arrangements were made with the Defence Department hy tho Wellington men, and advice was given that they would leave by the 7.50 p.m. train on Thursday night, arrivjng at Palmerston about 1 a.m. on Friday. Baggage* transport was to meet tho men, but, on tile arrival at 2 a.m. of about forty men with baggage, it was very evident that something was wrong. No baggage transport turned up, and so, after waiting for about half-an-hour, and searching in vain for a conveyance, the men started for camp, about two. miles distant. This was.no joke, and, after a weary tramp and. several rests on tho way, tho men reached camp, having carried the baggage'the whole way. ■. It was also announced that tho tents would be pitched -for the men, but they experienced no such luck. On reaching camp, an astonished sergeant-major turned out of bed and served out tents, and these bad to be pitcied by tho weary men, who eventually turned in about 3.30 a.m. It turned out that the baggage transport had been ordered to meet tho f2 o'clock train on Friday, in spite of the fact that tho Department was advised that tho men were proceeding by tho 1 a.m. train. However, the men showed splendid spirit, and determined to get there somehow after travelling 80 miles by train. With regard to the arrangements made this morning, operations consisted principally of preliminary work in arm drill and formations. As about 90 per cent, of the men are ex-vol-unteers the progress made was naturally very good.' In the afternoon the men were practised in field work, and finally in. skirmishing, working by signals. It will thus be seen that the experiment is working out

splendidly, and solid work is' being put m by all. Major Hughes is in charge of the camp, and is assisted by Scrgcant-Major Dovey. Tho major expressed his great pleasure at the manner in which tho club men got through the movements during the afternoon. Colonel Collins has also arrived in camp. Ho complimented tho men on tho work done, and expressed his intention of staying until tomorrow to see the camp out. _ Tho total number m camp is 55. Hie Karori Rifle Club is well represented, heading the list with 17 men. Pctono follows with 13, Bunnythoipo 7, Upper Hutt 6, Linton 6, Featherston 3, Wcraroa 2, and Himitangi 1. Tho Opnki Club is conspicuous by its absence, not a solitary meml>er of fcliat club bouig present. To ono accustomed to military camps, this ono, where uniforms are absent, presents a strange appearance, but as tho sergeantmajor observed, "the men are thero for work, not frills."