PROCEEDINGS AT TAYLOR PASS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVII, Issue 86, 14 April 1903, Page 1

PROCEEDINGS AT TAYLOR PASS.

The encampment at the Taylor Pass, which was attended by about GOO men, was of a useful and successful character. Splendid weather prevailed throughout, and the annual training was carried out under the best of conditions.

On Saturday a programme of miscellaneous work was carried out in excellent style, and at night general leave was granted, and many uniforms gave a military aspect to the concourse of people in town.

On Sunday divine service was held at the camp, the Yen. Archdeacon Grace, who is Chaplain of the Marlborough Mounted Rifles, heing the officiating minister. Shelter-trench work, range firing, and other practices were engaged in ; and in the afternoon there were many visitors on the ground. A big field day eventuated yesterday, when a military display was held in aid of the Veterans' Homo Fund. This proved to be the principal attraction of the holiday, the bulk of the public patronising the occasion. A most interesting programme was gone through, and the big crowd of spectators were thoroughly entertained The Voluuteers acquitted themselves in a very creditable manner, and their execution was much admired. The opening movement wa3 a general march past, and this was followed by a spiral ride by the mounted men. The Nelson College Cadets gave a fine exhibition of physical drill, the preciseness and grace of which evoked hearty applause. Other items were a rescue race by the Mounted*; a sham fight on a small scale by the Nelson Rifles to demonstrate the utility of the Bearer Corps ; a tug of war ou horseback, in which the Marlborongh Mounted Rifles defeated the Wakatus ; and some smart work by the II Battery.

The march past won kud >s, and Lieufc.-Colonel Wolfe particularly complimented th.i College Cadets, Nelson Rifles and Blenheim Rifles

A sum of about £20 was c llected for the Veterans' Home Fund.

The Volunteers left the camp ground at 6.30 p.m., and the Nelson battalion took its departure by train for Pieton. where it embarked on the Tutanekai. The Nel-ou men were heartily farewelled.

On the conclusion of the para'e on Sunday evening, Major Major, Adjutant of the Camp, complimented Bugler Jackson, of the Blenheim Rifles, on his efficiency, he being bugler of the day on that occasion.

The arrangements at tho camp gave general satisfaction; and Mr ,T. Rothwell's catering was much praised.

The playing of the Nelson Garrison Band (Bandmaster Trussoll) and Blenheim Garrison Band (Bandmaster Rose) was an enjoyable feature of the en campment. After Church parade on Sunday morning long service medals wero prosented by Liout.-Colonel Wolfe to Captain Powell, Blenheim Rifles, 12 years ; Lieut. Arnold, Waiuiea Rifles, 12 years ; Color Sergt. Brewster, Blenheim Rifles, 12 years ;and Band-Corpl. Rabbits, Blenheim Garrison Bani, 20 years.