CAMP NOTES

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue LXXXVIII, 11 September 1914, Page 4

CAMP NOTES

MEN AT PALMERSTON INFANTRY AT FJELD WORK. Some comprehensive and advanced work was carried out yesterday by the infantry and mounted troops in the Palmerston North camp, the former carrying oufc attack practice and the latter Meld skirmishing and firing, etc. So 'far the weather has been excellent (says the Manawafca Standard), and though yesterday was dull and rain threatening it has so far kept fine. The health of the men is very good, <:olds being the only ailment, and this is no doubt due to the warm equable weather. At 8.30 o'clock yesterday morning th© infantry regiment passed the guard at the main gate en route for field work across the Manawatu River. The A Company led on the march und provided the advance, B, C, and D companies following, the last named providing the rear guard. Haversacks and rations for one meal weare carried by the troops. The day's training was denned as "Regiment in. Attack." The whole day was spent in the field. The mcD have had a good deal of marching training, and yesterday's march was of a substantial order, while in addition the field operations covered a good area of ground. Most of the men have stood the marching very well, thanks to their splendid physique, but during the trek bacK from Awahnri on Tuesday there were several who felt the strain from the heavy service boots. The order of instruction for the Mounted Rifles Regiment was as follows: — A Squadron, at the rifle range, skirmishing and field fire, etc., in the morning. In the' afternoon field duties, dismounted action, etc. B Squadron (Manawatu), duties in the field, dismounted action, etc., in the morning, and skirmishing and field fire in the afternoon. C Squadron., reconnaissance work. For several days past rumours were current that men had been fainting owing to being improperly fed. Enj quiries were instituted by the Camp Commandant, Major Potter, and from replies received from officers commanding units it was found that there was absolutely no truth in the rumours. Tho officer commanding the infantry regiment states that he wishes to cleuy emphatically the rumours. The men always have a hot meal at midday or at 5 o'clock, the other, being provided out of dry rations. On Sunday the men had a hot meal at 5" o'clock, the dry rations meal being taken at midday. The commandec of the Mounted Rifles Regiment says there is absolutely no truth in the report. ' The men had two hot meals a day, "the other being dry rations. The men express themselves as having plenty of good wholesome food. A lecture to officers on " French and German tactics, with some comments on the war," will be delivered by Major A. C. Temperley, 'Brigade-Major, Welling- t ton Infantry District, at the officers' mess, on Monday evening next. Arrangements have been made by the Mayor of Palmerston for the troops to parade* in the Square, on their return; from. Feilding, to-morrow afternoon. Theforce should reach the Square about 2 p.m., and will remaih in town for about an hour, when a good opportunity will be given the public to see the men formed up in marching order, with a complete kit. Such a big force will not have paraded in Palmerston before, and the business people and others are invited to display flags and bunting for the occasion. A sale of flowers in aid of the Patriotic Fund will be held at the same time, and probably three bands will participate in the proceedings. It is possible that the' flag of the regiment will be prebentetl during the afternoon. The troops will he provided with fruit when they arrive in the Square.