EAST COAST MOUNTED RIFLES.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 110, 18 May 1901, Page 3

EAST COAST MOUNTED RIFLES.

ANNUAL ENCAMPMENT.

Tub annual encampment of the East Coast Mounted Hides was oponod at Fuhatikotiko (two miles beyond To Karaka) on Thursday, under the charge of Captain Winter. There was a good muster, upwards of sixty officers and men being presold. The spot selected is an ideal one for tho encampment, there being a splendid ground for drilling purposes. At live o’clock on Thursday afternoon tho men were told off to their tonts, and the horses fed and cleaned. Tea was served at seven o’clock, and guard was mounted at 6 o'clock. A short lecture was delivered by the instructor, Sergeant-Major Tuck, on “ Military Discipline',” and was listened to attentively by the men. It has boon arranged tlrH a mounted orderly will lenvo the camp at 11.80 n.m. and 4.80 p.m. each day for the Karaka Post Office for telegrams, etc., so that anyone wishing to communicate with members of the corps will require to have their messages telephoned to the Karaka bofore tho hours mentioned, or sent by tho coach.

Yesterday morning the men were instructed in' foot-drill by Sergeant-Major Tuck, and acquitted themselves splen didly. Dinner was served at one o'clock, and tho men wore mounted at two o’clock lor drill. Last evening the SergeantMajor gave a second lecture upon the day’s proceedings, and also gave them instructions for to-day. We understand that to-day’s programme will include a Skirmish on the hills and the usual drill. . Leave of nbsonco for to-day was granted to Corporal Hooper and Troopers Leslie, Zachariah, E. Williams, W. Davidson and A. Maxwell. The party, who are under the command of Corporal Hooper, return to camp to-morrow morning. A church parade will be held at Karaka to-morrow afternoon, the sorvico being taken by the Rev. Canon Fox. If the weather be tine to-morrow a largo number of townspeople will probably take a run out to the encampment. The men speak in terms of the highest praiso of Scrgt.-Major Tuck as a drill instructor, and expect to make good progress under his direction.