IN THE FIELD.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 579, 7 March 1891, Page 2

IN THE FIELD.

ANNUAL ENCAMPMENT OF THE EAST COAST HUSSABS. [standard representative.] The 1891 encampment of the East Coatt Hussars was entered upon last Monday, and at this period one is able to form a decided opinion upon the utility of the camp. Tents have been pitched on the Kaiti, the road leading from town to the field being by way of the Maori church. A walk along the track at night time differs in some degree from a promenade on a nicely kept lawn ; indeed, in the dark, one is inclined to feel a “ bit groggy on the pins,” and if »□ uncharitable person who had not been there himself could peer through the and see the figuies cut by individuals making for the camping ground, he might venture to hint that the canteen was just being left in the rear instead of being as it really would be a beacon of hope to the weary straggler. This must of course not be taken to apply to the ladies, a large number of whom visit the field, but they too out capers quite devoid of gracefulness, though some seemed to heartily enjoy the sort of mountaineering work that had to be experienced before the camp was reached. There was a great crowd at THE CAMP ON THURSDAY NIGHT, when the Garrison Band turned out in full fotce, and provided a very pleasant evening for those who were present. In going across a good many people went the wrong road, and while some affecled to think ihat their experiences increased the fun, others made no concealment of their distress. By half-past seven the camp seemed full cf life, and an animated scene was reflected by the torchlights. Of course there is no pretence that the camp in any way compares in its proportions to what can be organised in a larger town, but the spirit of the thing is there, and what is lacking in numbers may be made up in the interest which rank and file evince in their work. One does not need to be of a very observing natu.e to be soon assured of the creditable way in which the whole of the arrangements in connection with the. camp have been carried out. The site selected is a capital one, the details have been carefully attended to, all concerned have taken great interest in the affair, and to add to the oiher advantages, the weather so far was splendid. From chats I had with officers and men, I know that I only echo the unanimous opinion, when I say that the camp is the MOST SUCCESSFUL YET HELD under the auspices of the Hussars, This has not only been fo in regard to the general pleasure t it has been eminently so in the instruction given. The genial Captain C deman, whose ability as an instructor is sufficiently indicated by the high reputation he bears in military circles, is in Gisborne for the purpose of putting the troop through its work. He has a peculiar way of mak-ng the most awkward recruit soon work into tolerably good form, so Jong as the recruit will pay attention, but if he is inattentive he soon gets a humorous reminder that lets him know himself as others see him, Captain Winter has of course been a sort of fosterfather to the troop, audits existence seems almost inseparable from his n&me; be fully recognises the value of the instruction the men can obtain at the encampments, and the vieit of the inspecting officer and instructor is always welcomed. A cavalry troop is specially suited to a district like Poverty Bay, and the Hussars have already giv.en proof of how serviceable they would be in the event of their being required in the fluid. The usual exercises are gone through each day at the camp, and great interest is taken in them by the men. The EVENT OF THE ENCAMPMENT, however, was on Thursday afternoon, when there was some capital field work. First the troop was divided into two parties, the right wing under Lieutenant Sunderland, and left under Lieutenant Colebourne. The former acted as the attacking party, while the left wing took up the defence. Prior to moving off boundaries had been arranged one mile from the camp ; also that both parties should move at 5 15, one from the camp and the other from Mr Sherratt’s homestead. Both parties ’hrew out videttes on tho hills, and the affair was entered into very keenly. Captain Coleman acted as umpire for the lefc troop and Captain Winter for the right, the engagement being conducted by the junior officers. Each party s'arted off with the determination of trying to out manoeuvre the other. Tho attacking party acted with much tact, and succeeding in eluding the videttes of the defending party by a dashing ride through some manuka scrub, they made a smurt movement round the hill, and gained the camp, completing the manoeuvres in astonishingly quick time. There being sufficient time for further movements it was then decided that the left party should go out as an attacking force, the right taking Up the defence. Lieutenant Coulbourne took his party to the ridge behind the target, about three quarters of a mile distant. Beth parties were supposed to move off at 6, and in the event of the attacking p>rty outflanking the defenders the former would score the victory. After some clever work the attacking party were successful iu their object, and each side gained a victory, and thus they met again on equal terms. OFFICERS OF THE TROOP. Tba following are the officers of the Hussars : — Captain Winter Lieutenants G. L. Sunderland and Colebourne Sergeant-Major Thelwall Sergeants Grossman and Tiffen Ac’ing-Sergeants Miller and Tucker Corporals Johnston, Wethere.d and Bourke Acting-Corporal Porter Sergeant-Farrier Amabaldie Trumpeter Lewis Mr Milne, Hon. Secretary AFTER THE BATTLE, la the evening I reached the camp just as 1 dinner was being concludodj and the man were expressing tfarir delight at ihe afternoon’s work. None of those engaged in the movements could give a graphic account of what ocoqrred, they were not in a position to give a description of the movements on both sides. In the first attack the scouts of the defending party say that tfiey were misled by 4 false alarm given by some natives. Anyway the movements were very exhilarating, and the general impression was that such exercises would do much to popularise the troop, Some skilful horsemanship was displayed on either fide, and every trooper seemed quite at ease in the roughest work. The strength of the troop is 43, but many recruits are now joining and many more eligible young men are thinking of seeking enrolment in the troop, which is certain to be much benefited by the successful encampment.

THE ARRANGEMENTS AT THE CAMP are (as I have already said) excellent, Mr Craig has control of the 'catering, and not a single complaint has yet been heard, while a great deal at each meal is said in his favour. The proximity of the camp to town .made it more convenient to have breakfast in town, then a light luncheon is obtainable at the camp, and in the evening a 'sVarm dinner Is pro s tided at the mesa tent. Tfas canteen jis attended toby Mr Phipps, Mr Milne occasionally relieve ing him. There is a total absence of exoessive drinking, and neither civilian nor trooper to be seen the worse tor Hquor, But taken all round a good business is.done. Ab an inßtanca of the preference that is given to lighter drinks I m&y remark that ths supply of lemonade had bean exhausted at an early hour on Thursday “evening, and such drinks as hop beer seerped in strong demand. THE QABRISIQK ?AND. The officers and the general public expresaed themselves much pleased at the spirit shown by the members of the Band, They are under no obligation of any kind to attend at the camp, but they march across of an evening, and for over an hour they greatly enliven the proceedings. Captains Coleman and Winter both expressed co me how pleased they were at the puolio tpitit thown by the Band, and the vtsUing officer said they ought to be

proud of such an institution. The f allowing are the memb.rs of ihe Bind :— Bandmaster—Mr T. Morrison Sergeant—Mr Spurdlc Corporal—Mr T. (U.) Morrison Hon. Sec. and Treasurer—Mr U. J. Reid Bandsmen—Messjs J. Hall, Ormond, Mitchell, Harding, Perston, Aston (fen), C. Adair, Reid (jun), Robb, Hyett, Taylor, A. Thompson, Morrison (jun), Morell, and Aston (jun) Honorary Members—Messrs Thomas Faram and James Brown, ex-Banc'masters, and John Whitby, formerly Sergeant PROGRAMME FOR THIS EVENING. A large attendance of thn general public is expected at camp this evenin?. The officers wiil probably arrange for lights as a guide io pedestrians. The Band march over shortly after six, and play the following selections :— March—The Cavalier. Quadrilles —The Pet < f the Ball. Waltz -Youth nod Beauty. March—Hie Old Flag. Schottisuhe—Sweet Sixteen. March—Silent, Oh Moy e. Lancers—The Sailor Prince. A CHURCH PARADE takes place to morrow morning, the troop attending parnde in full dress, and the Bai d of course taking the lead. After church thtroop will again fall in, march to the drill shed, and after the roll being called the com pany will be dismissed, this year’s encampment then terminating.