CAMP NOTES

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue LXXXVIII, 10 September 1914, Page 2

CAMP NOTES

MEN AT PALMERSTON TROOPS TRAINING HARD. A NIGHT IN THE OPEN. Yesterday the whole of the morning at Palmerston North camp was devoted to reorganising the artillery brigade into three batteries (says the Manawatu Standard). In consequence of this all drills were postponed. Monday night in the field gave the mounted men a taste of what will be required of them if they are sent on active service. The march on Monday terminated at the Feilding racecourse. At' about 6 p.m. Colonel Meldrum, who is in command of the regiment, sent out a reconnoitring party prior to placing his outposts for the night. Outpost work constituted the main training of the men on this occasion, and the line, which extended from Feilding through Awahuri and five tailes south of that place towards Rangiotu, was divided up amongst the three squadrons. About one-third of the regiment, which totalled about 540 men, was engaged in outpost work up till about 4 a.m. At that hour, in accordance with tho rules of warfare, the outposts were doubled — the hour of dawn being the most favourable for attack by an enemy. The men slept at their posts, and none were able to obtain more than two hours' sleep. The outposts were withdrawn at 8 a.m., and after breakfast the regiment returned to camp, .where they 'arrived about 1 p.m. The night in the open was an interesting experience for many. Some have brought back colds as a result, but the majority of the men fared very well. Light rain fell early in the 'morning? but otherwise the night was fine. The infantry march took the men to "Highden," Awahuri, where, like their mounted comrades, they spent_ tho night in the open. Arriving at their destination about midday, the afternoon was devoted to attack practice. In extended lines the force advanced on a given point, carrying out all the manoeuvres in excellent style. This work over the hills after the long march, tired the men, and, in spite of hard beds, that night, sleep soon overtook them. The majority of the men slept under trees, which kept off the dew, but many felt the cold. Tuesday morning was again devoted to attack practice, and at 11 a.m. the. return march was made, the brigade arriving in camp at Awapuni at about 4 p.m. Many of the men suffered from sore feet, and ■\.yere glad during the occasional rests given thetti to remove their heavy service boots. No break in the training was made yesterday, and the several companies were busily engaged at various branches of their work. One company was engaged on the rifle-range at musketry practice. Arrangements which were in the course of progress during the week-end for a football match' next Saturday on the showground "between a team from the camp and local players have now been clinched, and the match will 'take place at 2.45 o'clock. The proceeds will be in aid of the Patriotic Fund, and on this account and the promise of a. good game there should be a large attendance. On Friday Feilding is to have a visit from the Mounted Rifles and Infantry in camp. The march to Feilding will commence early in the morning, and on the Feilding racecourse the men are to be entertained by the citizens. Arrangements'are also being made to take the children _ attending the various schools in the district to Feilding for the occasion. The return to Awapuni will be made on Saturday, Friday night being spent at Feilding. The band is < practising assiduously every day, and is making much improvej ment. All tho troopers in the public hospital are progressing satisfactorily.