MOUNTED RIFLES’ CAMP.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 19 June 1926, Page 6

MOUNTED RIFLES’ CAMP.

WORK CONTINUED. AN INTERESTING PERIOD. Squadron drill, at the mounted rifles camp at the Showgrounds, was continued yesterday morning in ideal weather at Mr. A. Larcom’s farm on the Ohangai Road. The work was well done and fast times were recorded. The work ol' the dismounted units, which include the machine-gun squadron, was also continued the latter being instructed in the use of packhorse equipment. A general inspection was made this morning, when the officers and medical officer expressed their satisfaction at the neat appearance of the lines and the horse lines. Lieut.-Cdlonei J. H. Whyte. D. 5.0., D.C.M., N.Z.S.C., general staff officer of the Central Command, was in camp yesterday making a general inspection and taking notice of the training, ills visit was one- of a purely informal nature. Leave from camp in the evenings has been in keen demand, and a high percentage has been granted. Up to the present the privilege has not been abused. , ~ . . , The regimental band, which is under canvas with the troops, consists of 32 members, whose age.s range- between 14 and 19, all of whom have reached a high standard in a comparatively short period, and the conductor is sanguine of excellent results at the conclusion of the camp. The band is providing considerable enjoyment for the men in camp, as, in addition to giving concerts, items are played during parade hours, which are of much assistance to squadrons undergoing marching exercises and manoeuvres. Lieutenant G. L. Buckley, who is in charge of the band, in conversation with a Star reporter expressed his delight at the improvement already shown by the bandsmen as a result of three days’ instruction. He also said that the camp- would-result in a much smartened appearance and military precision of the band in its movements. The individual playing members would, he said, learn as much during ten days in camp as -in six months, or even more, of ordinary parades. On Sunday morning a church parade will be held at the camp at 9.15 o’clock. Captain Chaplain C. H. Isaacson will take the service, and the band will provide the- music for the leading of the singing. Immediately after the church parade a route march through the town will take place. The mounted squadron will parade separately from the dismounted units, which will he led by the band. Those members of the headquarters wing who are not in camp will join their squadron at the camp, parading at 10 o’clock, and, following the route march, the squadron will he photographed, the troops having previously decided on this. On Sunday afternoon the regimental band will render a programme of music under the direction of Lieut. G. L. Buckley, at the camp. Visitors are invited to the camp, and afternoon tea will he procurable.