THE CAMP.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 7976, 30 January 1897, Page 3

THE CAMP.

A NEW EXPERIENCE FOR THE NAPIERGARRISON. A WILDNIGHT. DRENCHED TO THE SKIN.

The volunteer encampment waa oonlinued yesterday evening, when the men, oame from town tor tea at 6.30 o'clook, but after tea rain sot in, and prevented any work being done. The mou, however, assembled in the marquee, aud to counteract the depression caused by the downfall, they had a social evening, when songs, Seo., were given for the general enjoyment of tho camp.

The men retired at the usual hour, but were awakened in. the early mocn by the violonoo of the wind, and first one tent and then another would collapse, tho pegs failing to hold on aooount of the moistening of tho soil. The occupants of the fallen tents were .omoved to the marquees, but had to find shelter m tho smaller ones ou the marquees being oarried away. There being no appearance of tho cessation of the storm, and as it was impossible to get the firea going to provide breakfast, Oaptain Kmith dismissed the mon, and dissolved the camp.

A , sspage was aept into town fey conveyances to bo sent out to convey the Volunteers to town, but tho majority preferred to face tho elements instead of waiting, as they were wot through.

Tho remainder were eventually brought into town in 'busses, leaving Oaptain Smith, Sergt-Mojor Hopkins, and a fatigue party behind to make final arrangements. The endurance of the men under these adverse ciroumstauces calls for comment, und speaks highly for them to show up so well in camp whon confronted by such a complete change in the weather as haa been experienced to-day. General regret is expressed by tho Volunteers at having to bring the oamp to a olose before the appointed time, but as there was no ohancc of She weather moderating, there was no help for it. The camp has, howover, lasted five days, aad has enabled tho Volunteers to qualify as effioients, so that, besides tho Knowledge obtuiued, it has served its purpose. Later. By advertisement in another oolumn it will be seen that the oamp on the Tutaekuri river has been struok. There aro only eight tents standing out of twohty-fivo, and both of the largo marquee 3 are also down. Under the circumstanues, tho officer commanding has decided not to continue the oamp.