THE CONTINGENT IN CAMP.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CV, Issue 12403, 17 January 1901, Page 5

THE CONTINGENT IN CAMP.

THE CANTERBURY TROOPERS. [From Otra Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, Jan, 16. Tha contingent, after they got away in the Rotomahana last night, had a good time on board. Up betimes, they turned out in the breezy morning as fresh as paint, and paraded the decks picturesquely. On arrival they were met by a squad from the camp. There was a cry of '"tenshun," the kharki line fell in on deck, the men were numbered off, and ■" right turn," followed by " leading file, left wheel," put them on the wharf in silent smart, business-like fashion. It was their plunge into work, and away they marched with their comrades from camp as steady as rocks. The horses brought up by the' steamer had.been put out before this, and they were much admired, as a good solid lot, superior to anything in camp; I heard it said'on every, side. This evening there is 'much kharki in evidence in the streefcs L .but it is not the African article. You . can tell that by the feathers in their- hats. These are the Federal Contingent back by the Tutanekai, two days ago. Very "swagger they look, and it is very easily seen they enjoy the attention they receive 0 n all sides, especially from the fair sex. The Africans have very different times, being kept hard at it in camp, drilling on foot and on horseback. The practice is carried on among the sand dunes of Lyell Bay, in a great variety of apparently intricate movements, which try the endurance of the horses and the sticking powers of 'the men. Squads are also to be seen of men being broken in to the saddle in military style, stirrups tied up in front, and there is a good deal of uncomfortable looking bumping.

The camp had a slight reinforcement today, four men of former contingents, who returned, by the .Moaua, having gone out to join.