THE MOUNTED CAMPS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXI, Issue LXII, 18 June 1912, Page 4

THE MOUNTED CAMPS.

Captain Adjutant Cardale, who is stationed at Hawera, this morning gave a Star reporter some information concerning the recent mounted rifles camps in the Wellington- military district. He regretted to say that the attendance of the three regiments (Queen Alexandra's, 6th Manawatu, and Napier-Wellington .East Coast) at their respective camps compared very unfavorably with that of other regiment*. It worked out in pro-' portion 71.4 per cent., as against 94 per cent, and 96 per cent, for other regiments. In- consequence of the unsatisfactory attendance there would be numerous prosecutions. Speaking of the work done at the camps, the Adjutant pointed out that it compared more than favorably with that carried out in other districts. It could not be expected in one year to turn out trained soldiers. In referring to the casual camp at Palmerstou North, the officer said that it was attended by those who had been forced to go there, with the exception of a few, who had leave. The work dono at the camp was excellent. Although the men were without horses the work carried out made eood groundwork for future training. The men were put through two of the qualifying practices, known as grouping and application, on the rifle range. This privilege' had not been enjoyed by those who had attended the regular camps. This year the -men have the opportunity of attending two camps,: and those who failed to avail themselves of one or the other will most likely have to explain their absence to,a stipendiary,. Magistrate.