THE TERRITORIAL CAMP

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 April 1914, Page 5

THE TERRITORIAL CAMP

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proceedings'at kowhal • the west coasters praised, (By Telegraph—Special to the "Star.' 1 ) KOWHAI CAMP, This Day. Tiie West Coast troops arrived in cairip at 6.15 last night after a rather tedious journey from Bealey Flat, being delayed owing to one of the baggage wagons not arriving in time. On arrival at the camp rain started. Owing to the late arrival some of the men had some difficulties in procuring Uieir kit bags, but within two hours after arrival everyone had got settled down, and had a good hot meal, and altogether •■he arrangements were carried out well. The West Coast troops are receiving great praise for the exceedingly quiet way that they marched into camn.

At 6.15 this morning revellie sounded, and soon all was bustle, getting tents tidied and everything made neat. Breakfast was served at 7 a.m., after which a general parade was'held at 8.30 a.m., when the troops were inspected, and all who had not been fully equipped fell out and were marched to the Quartermaster's Stores Department, where everyone was fitted out.

EXPERIENCES OF WEST COASTERS. ALL NOW COMFORTABLE (By Telegraph —Special to" the Star.) CHRISTCHURCH. This Day. The Westland contingent arrived in camp at Kowhai shortly before 6 o'clock last evening. A few r minutes after reach, ing Otira thev started on foot over -the mountains, and the 12 miles to Bealfey , Flat were covered in good style with two short spells, one at the top of the hill and the other at the foot. « A special train was taken at Bealey Flat to bring' the men on to the camp, but it was delayed for'about an hour to let the express train through first. The- men were given a hasty lunch at Bealey Flat before starting:. In marked- contrast to the wintry conditions on this side, the weather was beautifully fine all the way from Greymouth and through to Bealey Flat, which made the march fairly enjoyable. According to some of the men, the train journey was slow and dreary, and all were heartily glad when the camp was reached at 5.50 p.m. Several of the men informed a "Star" reporter that they had only one scanty meal since leaving Greymouth. It was practically dark when they arrived in camp, and a number of them stated that they were still waiting for their tea. They were very tired and f very hungry after their long journey, and were indulging in general complaints. It was raining hea'vily and was cold and wet underfoot, and although they had been in camp, nearly an hour and a-half they had not got their tents from the train. At this stage several vans loaded with kits and gear drove up to the lines, and the men'were soon busy sorting out their swags in readines'j for settling down for the night. The reporter was informed that the President and several members of the Wes< Coast Passive Registers' Union were among their number, as well as several lads who had' been fined saveral timet, and deprived of civil rights for breaches of the Defence Act. Some of the naw arrivals are not over pleased with their first experience of Kowai Camp, but the majority are taking matters philosophically. " "