THE MOUNTED MEN AT ORINGI.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1747, 12 May 1913, Page 6

THE MOUNTED MEN AT ORINGI.

« RIGOURS OF WINTER. SUNDAY SERVICES IN CAMP. (By Telosraph.—Special CorreunonrtonU Danncvirkc, 31 ay 11. Winter in all its dimness has ?et in in real earnest at Oringi. At a high altitude and surrounded by hills it appears to catch every breath 0; wind and drop of rain that passi's overhead. All Friday night the rain came down in torrents and in some ea-'es leaked through tho canvas causing considerable inconvenience both lo officers and men. On Saturday heavy showers i'cll at intervals throughout tho day and night, but it is not only the wet that causes discomfortit is the piercing, bitter cold wind that has prevailed for the last few days. Not a good steady Wellington "southerly," which one has to light l'rom start to finish, but a gusty, evil-minded wind that seems determined to level the tents to the ground, freeze men and horses, and blow tho Oringi camp out of existence. This morning (Sunday) there was 110 appreciable difference except that the snow "line was far lower than it has been since the camp commenced, hence a cold day that would be to tho credit of a South Polar explorer to withstand without grumbling*. The snow-clad liuahinos and neighbouring foot-hills present an undoubtedly picturesque and pleasing aspect to the eye, but there are few who would not appreciate the view better from behind the window of a room, well warmed by a blazing winter fire. Camping at this time of the year probably has its advantages. It certainly has its. disadvantages. The men and horses, however, are 011 the whole bearing tho severe weather conditions very well. Many of the men are suffering from slight colds and chills, but this is only what could be expecled.

The squadron schemes were continued 011 Saturday 011 similar lines to those on Friday, except that a wider area of ground was covered and the men came into action mora frequently. This class of training calls for much skilled horsemanship and often individual planning and action 011 the part of the trooper. Consequently it is entered into with great keenness and results in much good work being achieved. To-morrow (Monday) regimental drill will take place in the morning, and regimental tactical schemes in the afternoon. If the weather conditions improve' this should bo profitable and interesting. Church services were held io-da.v by the ministers of the. various denominations, and were all well attended. ChaplainMajor the Right Hev. the Bishop of Waiapu (Br. Averill), assisted by Chap-lain-Major the Ilcy. E. HoLertshawe, conducted the Anglican service, Father Tymons, fi.M., lately returned from lingland,, celebrated Mass for members of the Roman Catholic Church, Chaplain-Cap-tain the l?ev. Mr. Uliuniies conduclcd the Methodist service, Chaplain-Captain tho Her. Jlr. Doull the- l'resbvterian service, while Mr. Hyan, of tho Y.M.C.A., also held a meeting. An undenominational service, presided over by the Bishop of Waiapu, will be held to-night. A conference of the district commanding officers is being held to decide questions concerning tliis. district to b? pi,teed on the order paper of the General Con ; ference, which is to be held ill June. Last night for the first time leave was granted to 25 men from each squadron. All who could took advantage of the opportunity to visit Dannevirke, and it is pleasing to report that it would bo difficult to have found a more orderly party of young men. Their conduct reflected credit 011 themselves, their officers, and their uniform. When there is considered the.restraint their buoyant "and undoubted lively spirits have been subjected to for t'ho last week, the strict military discipline that has been enforced, the hard, strenuous, unaccustomed life they have been leading since the commencement of the camp, and the freedom that is suddenly given to them, it speaks volumes that they did not. abv.se the privilege. It is honed and expected that, this exemplary conduct will last throughout the camp. ./ ■*" General Godley and Captain Estcourt are expected lo arrive here on "Wednesday. The General will inspect tho men while.at their work, and 011 Thursday will watch the working .out of a brigade tactical scheme in the afternoon. •He will afterwards leave (accompanied by Captain Estcourt) for Auckland, via Palmcrston North.