OUR NEXT DETACHMENT OF ROUGH-RIDERS.

Evening Post, Volume LIX, Issue 45, 22 February 1900, Page 5

OUR NEXT DETACHMENT OF ROUGH-RIDERS.

THE WELLINGTON SECTION IN ' CAMP. Lieut. Pringle in to-day's orderly officer. When yesterday's officer of the day made his rounds of the camp enquiring whether the men had any complaints or requests to make, several *f the troopers wanted to know if they could get a few packets of seeds. " Seeds !" exclaimed Lieut. Johnston ;•" why seeds?" "Well," was the reply, " we don't know when we are going, and ,we would like to start some little gardens!" The subaltern smiled sympathetically. A treat was enjoyed by the men last night, thanks to the generosity of Mr. Palmer, who sent up two sacks (4 cwts) of oysters. The supper was voted " immense." An anonymous donor sent up a parcel of Derby tobacco, which was distributed by Acting Quarter-master W. Ross. To-day Mrs. Scobie has sent up a quantity of dried fruit. The money distributed by the Executive Committee' yesterday, although small in amount, proved acceptable to the men. Some amusement was caused on reading our camp note last night which stated that the men had not a sufficient variety of means of spending their " earnings." The note was not " writ sarcastic," the context plainly showing that it is the evenings which might be spent in a more interesting manner. Such progress is being made by some of the men in their manual drill that two divisions are to be formed, so that expert members may not be retarded by the awkward squad. A large marquee was erected this morning for the reception and distribution of the equipment. The new saddles were given out, and field caps and jerseys are expected to arrive by Saturday. The roughness of yesterday's weather enabled the work of measuring the troopers for their tunics, breeches, and leggings to be done. Mr. T. Shields supervised this work. The rationing, which is now giving general satisfaction, is costing from 10£ d to Is per man per day. Trooper Whittem, who had been, accepted as a member) of the Contingent, but had left the troop when his brothers and cousins were lost in the recent yachting fatality, has rejoined the troop, and is bock in camp again-.