THE NINTH CONTINGENT.

Evening Star, Issue 11682, 14 February 1902, Page 4

THE NINTH CONTINGENT.

CAMP NOTES. From the start the Rest has been a popular resort. About 500 letters passco through the tent last night, all being franked. This privilege applies to any pan, of the British dominions. Mr Falconer supplies all stationery, and all the conveniences of the Best, free to all in camp, ana until a franking stamp is ready this gentleman franks the men's letters. The Rest w specially a comfort in weather like this morning and last night. Two large tables are covered with good reading matter, and Mr Falconer will be grateful for any further supply, also for copies of South Island newspapers, as our battalion hail from this islaird. To-day, from early morn, every writing table has been filled, and about a thousand letters will probably leave by tomorrow's mail.

The men were given musketry instruction in the building at the camp this fore noon.

' Lieutenant Wray, of Christcburch, and Lieutenant Orbell, of Waikouaiti, formerly of the Fourth, reported themselves m camp this morning.

The Defence Department called for tenders for the supply of 1,800 pair of boot*for the Ninth Contingent. Mr Robert Collier, of George street, is the successful contractor for supplying 600 pairs, and the remainder has been equally devided between two other firms, one of whom hails from Christchureh.

From a telegram received to-day from the Premier it would appear that the Southern sections of the Ninth Contingent will be despatched from Dnnedin during the first week of March. AUCKLAND, February 14.

There aro now 500 men in the Ninth Contingent camp at Tepapa. The North Island battalion is complete. Three men were dismissed from camp yesterday for misbehaviour in the camp grounds. j