TERRITORIAL NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 19521, 31 March 1927, Page 13

TERRITORIAL NOTES

[By SKiimisnEß.] The conclusion of the annual camp at Matarae of the 6th Mounted Rifles (0.H.) on the 17th of this month saw the finish of the camp training of the Territorials in the Otago District. There are always a certain number of trainees who are prevented, through various causes from attending the regular camps, and in order that every man may complete his training _a six days course is held at the Kensington Drill Hall. A memorandum has been sent to all members of Ist Battalion, Otago Regiment, who failed to attend the annual camps at Matarae, advising them that they are required to attend, in lieu, a sis days’ course of training, which will be held at Kensington Drill Hall, Dunedin, from Monday, April 4. to Saturday, April 9, both dates inclusive. The hours of training will bo 9 a.m. to 12 noon, and 1.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily. The pay of rank for the six days will be given. As this will be the last opportunity the trainees will have of completing _ their obligatory training for the military year, leave can only be granted in cases of sickness, which must be supported by a medical certificate sent in to the local Defence office. Absence from this course will render trainees non-efficient for the training year, and unless leave has been granted as above prosecution will immediately follow.

John M'Glashan College cadets held a very successful annual barracks from the 9th to 12th hist, inclusive. Captain C. Gilray, M.C. (0.0.) was assisted by Lieutenant Holmes and instructors from the permanent staff. / The Ist Battalion (0.R.) and the 2nd Cadet Battalion (0.8.H.5.) played an important part during' the visit of His Royal Highness the Duke of York to this city, and they played it well. The guard or honor at the civic reception held at Logan Park was provided by the Ist Battalion, and they acquitted themselves admirably and showed that they had put in many hours of braining. The recently presented colors were in evidence for the first time in public, and looked extremely fine as they fluttered in the sunshine. Tho Otago Boys’ High School cadets provided the guard at the unveiling of the Soldiers’ War Memorial, and they too made an excellent showing. Tho Bugle Band added much to the dignity or the ceremony by the splendid playing of the ‘Last Post. 1

The Ist Battalion Regimental Band turned out on several occasions during tho Duke’s visit, and it was pleasing to note that it is fast coming back to its old form.

Apart from forming the guards of honor and assisting on several occasions in lining the streets, tho Territorials took no part in the various ceremonies, as they did when the Prince of Wales visited Dunedin.

Major Bey, D.S.O. (0.1. C. of the district), _ and Captain Hunt returned last evening from Oamaru, where they have been inspecting C Company of 3rd Cadet Battalion in connection with the selection of a cadet company to represent tho Oago district in the Campbell Statuette Competition.

Tho next company to be inspected will bo B Company, 2nd Cadet Battalion. This smart company has been doing splendid - work under Captain Sampson, and I predict that it will not bo far away when the final selection is wade.

■Congratulations are due to Sergeantmajor M'Gill, of Otago. Boys’ High School Cadets, who put up a splendid fight for tho cadet championship, shot at Trentham recently. He was placed second, being only 4 marks behind the winner. Doubtless _ with a little more knowledge of conditions prevailing at Trentham rifle range, ‘ Cadet M'Gill should hare a good chance of scoring next year.