ENCAMPMENT AT CLINTON.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 1146, 12 February 1903, Page 2

ENCAMPMENT AT CLINTON.

The Popotunoa Eifle Volunteers brought their week's encampment to a close on Saturday evening last. The weather, although threatening at first, turned out fine, and a profitable week's work was the result. As was only to be expected, when a number of high-spirited youths get together, much goodnatured fun was indulged in, and many hours of sleep lost. Many amusing incidents are told—one or two of which I will relate, if the ink will hold out. On Wednesday evening one of the privates, known on account of his length as " Long Tom," retired to blanket bay in the hope of getting much-needed rest. As time wore on Tom's " trilbies" appeared outside the blankets, and well under the tent. Noticing this two comrades in the fight, no doubt in the hope of cooling the atmosphere, poured half a bucket of water or less on the wanderers, and retired. With murder in his mind, Tom seized his bayonet, and made out6ide. However, the camp was asleep; not a sound was to be heard, except a few healthy snores from the nearest tent. In the morning, on making complaint, Tom was easily convinced that " 'Twas only a dream." Just another: A well-known sergeant, having some good friends, received the present of a duck, cooked and ready. Unfortunately, however, he let several into the " know," and of his intention to dine like the best in the morning. During the night two comrades called, annexed the dainty, and picking the bones to a finish, threw the framework outside. Result: In the morning a raging sergeant, and instructions issued that all dogs soen about the camp be destroyed. • On Sunday the company attended Divine ■ service in the Presbyterian church, and were addressed by the Eev. Mr Blair. On Wednesday afternoon the public visited the grounds in great numbers, and treated the men to afternoon tea. The company was put through several movements, and a sham fight on a small scale was indulged in. On Thursday the company was inspected by Colonel Rdbin, and given outpost and skirmishing work. At the close the Colonel gave an interesting address to the men, and expressed great satisfaction with the work they had done that afternoon. Hp ajso complimented Captain Mackie on the general appearance ef the corps and the knowledge the men had of the work expected of them. The site selected for the camp was a happy one, being wall sheltered and near the town, and the thanks of the company are due to Mr Nelson for the us,e' of His ground. The catering was all that could be lesjred, *nd jGolor-Sergt. Cuff as Quarter-Master and Mr Henry Read as cook did everything possible to secure-the .comfort of the men. The men, during the week, received instruction from Staff Sergt.-Major Taylor, ,y/ho jias become very popular, ' During the week the class firing was completed, so that now nearly every man has earned capitation for the earnpany. All this speaks well for the attention the men have given to their work, and it is safe to say that in a year or: two our corps will be one of the smartest and most serviceable in the colony.