THE ENCAMPMENT.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXIX, Issue 88, 17 April 1906, Page 3

THE ENCAMPMENT.

FIRST NELSON BATTALION

UNDER CANVAS

SUCCESSFUL . EVOLUTIONS,

The Volunteers, under Major Harkness, took part in range-firing with ball cartridge on

SATURDAY on the common behind the Cemetery. The men showed considerable aptitude, picking up the distances very well, and scoring good hits. In the evening general leave was granted, and the visitors came into town en.masse, where the Nelson Garrison Band rendered a programme of modern descriptive music with a good deal of proficiency, some of the items being applauded by the public.

SUNDAY. "was, as usual, the visitors' day. In the morning the several companies paraded hi the centre of the ground for Divine service. This was conducted by Captain-Chaplain' Arch. Grace, who preached a suitable sermon; and the hymns, led by the Nelson Garrison Band, were joined in by the Volunteers. The announcement by the Yen. Archdeacon Grace of the evening services at the different churches led to a good sprinkling of Volunteers at each place of worship at night. After Divine service, which concluded at 10.30., battalion drill was taken for a short time in rehearsal for the afternoon's review. THE AWiHEW.

At 2 o'clock all companies paraded in their best strength, the home corps, the Blenheim Rifles, having the greatest number, and the Nelson City Rifles the next. To the music of the Nelson Band, the saluting base (where was stationed Captain-Adjutant Trask, ofncer-in-eharge of the Camp) \yas marched past in column of companies and half companies, the several corps acquitting themselves with credit. Perhaps the palm rested between the two town corps, Nelson' and Blenheim, who both wore new dark uniforms, had good musters, and marched very steadily. In the salute of the column in line all marched admirably.

At the conclusion of the review a telegram received from the Defence Minister (the Right Hon. Mr Seddon), expressing his pleasure at the work being done, was read out. The Blenheim Rifles were then inspected by Major Harkness, who complimented them upon their efficiency and appearance. He then put the corps' officers through some drill. The Marlborough Mounted Rifles, who mustered over 30, executed a pretty circular march for the"' amusement of the public. THE BAND CONCERT.

At about 3 o'clock, when over a thousand people must have found their way to the grounds, the two Bands gave their programme of selections. The Nelson Garrison Band, under the conductorship of Herr Lennuer, played first j tlieii- items being:— March, " Maungatapu " (Herr Leturner's composition); selection. '"' Donnizetti " ; valse, "Choristers."

The Blenheim HaU'-Battalion Band, under Bandmaster Hose, then took the platform, and rendered the march "Major-Minor," the selection " Mikado," and valse " Donan AVellen."

The combined bands then played a march under Herr Lemmer's baton, and the proceedings concluded with the National Anthem.

The side-by-side performances of the sister bands gave an opportunity for comparisons—not; necessarily odious ones. In some departments, such as the trombones and basses (hi short, the front rank )the Nelson Band undeniably took the laurels, while in point of brilliancy of lead, fewness of stray notes, and soprano niceties, Blenheim easily held its own. The superior body of intermediates in the Nelson combination was nullified by the irregular playing oi" one or two young members. _ The si'ortzando effects of the Blenheim Band were particularly . notable. On the inarch, however, Nelson has now a band which it can well be proud of, and its intention to attend the Exhibition contest is a very wise one, the band being capable of much more than it has at present attained to. The collection at the gates, in aid of the combined band funds, realised £20. Afternoon tea, provided at a small charge, helped this fund. MONDAY'S PROCEEDINGS, were brief, a, sham fight behind the Cemetery being the principal exercise. Tents were struck at noon, and the iVelson men went down to Picton at 4 p.m., embarking on the Pateena for home at 6.30 o'clock.

Each morning during the camp the buglers of the different corps were

given instruction by Bugler - Major Batty. Much interest was manilested throughout in the Maxim gun, aiu! all corps of the Battalion have received instruction in its use.