AUCKLAND'S TROOPS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15700, 29 August 1914, Page 9

AUCKLAND'S TROOPS

THE DAILY TASK,

ENTHUSIASM OF THE MEN.

GOOD WORK ACCOMPLISHED

PROGRAMME OUTLINED.

NOT A MOMENT WASTED.

The training ;it the Epsora mobilisation camp was continued with unabated vigour yesterday, and the enthusiasm of the oflicers and men in the carrying out <>l their duties was most marked. The public, perhaps, hardly realises the strenuous nature ol' the work that is in progress to fit the troops for active servico. Only by a prolonged visit to tho camp can an adequate idea be obtained of what is being done.

Early in the morning operations commence. At six o'clock tho reveillo sounds. Tho camp is astir immediately. In an incredibly short time hundreds of men are dressed, and the serious business of tho day then commences.

Strenuous Physical Drill. The infantry are paraded, most of them minus their coats, for physical drill. Tho various exercises are performed with great zest, tor there is a nip in the cool morning air which prove® most invigorating. Tho exercises are varied, and confist of running, jumping, leap-frog, bonding, etc. The drill lasts for about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile the mounted men attend to stable work and feed tho horses. The Army Service Corps delivers tho food supplies to t.he two infantry and mounted quartermasters, respectively, at tho cookhouses. Hero the meat is cut up, and tho cooks oi tho various companies take chargo of their share of tho rations. Water is soon boiling in the "dixies," and porridge is cooked. Around tho lines of steaming pots and pans tho orderlies in denim suits watch the cooking operations and replenish tho fires. When the cooking is completed two mess orderlies from each tent arrive. Ono secures a "dixie," or billy of tea, and the second the meat, broad, and other food for his tent,. Breakfast commences at a-quarter to eight o'clock.

Parades and Drill. At a quarter past nine o'clock thowholo of the troops aro paraded. A largo proportion then march to Penroso, where they aro instructed in musketry by Captain Wallingford, instructor to the Auckland military district. Most of those remaining in camp take part in company drill and riflo exercise. The mounted men perform manoeuvres on horseback. Both tho Field Ambulance and Army Service Corps do nearly as much drill as the other unit's.

A short respite for lunch find work continues until the evening meal is ready at five o'clock. Just before this hour the companies) from the range return to camp, dusty and tirod, but cheerful. Fatigue Parties' Worl;. During the day fatigue parties wander through tho camp picking up paper and other rubbish. They also dig trenchcs, where the rubbish is burned.

The retreat is Bounded at 6 p.m. to (signify that flags must be lowered. Then a certain amount of drill is done, and men and officers attend lectures given by Captain Alderman, the commandant of the camp, und others.

The First and Last Posts. The first post sounds at 9.50 p.m., warning tho tired troops that bed-time is approaching. At 10 p.m. tho bugle sounds tho last post, and tho majority rctiro to their tents, which, lit with candles, loom up brightly in tho blackness of the nightThen the buglo sounds at 10.30 p.m. for "lights out," and all is quiet until tho morning. During the hours of darkness two strong guards are stationed at tho main gates, and pickets surround the camp. Throughout the 24 hours the work is thus conducted as if the troops were on active service.

Entertainment lor Troops. An interesting entertainment is to bo given at th© camp this evening, and it is expected that fully 1600 of the troops will be present. The entertainment has been arranged by Mcsdames Baunie and Sharman, and promises to bo a great success. Tiie members of the camp will bo provided with seating accommodation on the Show Ground grandstand. The only civilians invited are tho Mayor of Auckland and Mrs. Parr. Mr. John Fuller has agreed that the chief vaudeville aitists performing at the Opera Houso shall tako part in tho entertainment. They will motor during the evening to the camp, and then return to tho Opera House, thus giving their items' in both places. Among the other performers will ho Messrs. Alan McKlwain, \Y. Aspinall, and Ryan, who will contribute patriotic songs and choruses, recitations, and trios. The Misses Knight and Mr. Frank Constant will give four of the latest " rag time" songs, the choruses of which may be sung by the assembled troops. A little girl of eight is to dance a hornpipe in costume, and she will also gire a Coppelia waltz. A band will play the English, American, French, and Russian National Anthems.

Church Parade To-morrow

Visitors "will not ho allowed to visit, the camp to-morrow, except between tho hours of 11 a.m. and noon, when the Church parade will be held. To gain admission between those hours the public will havo to obtain parses from tho Defence office. From 1 p.m. to-morrow, until 10 p.m., general leave is to be granted to the troops in camp.

VOTE!! FOR VOLUNTEERS.

SPECIAL BILL ON" TUESDAY. [BT TELEGRAPH.— special correspondent! Wellington, Friday. A deiinito promise was given by tho Prime Minister at the rising of the House this evening that he hoped to bring down a Bill on Tuesday evening dealing with tho right of members of tho expeditionary force to vote in connection with the forthcoming elections. Members: On both matters? Mr. Majis«y: Yea; on both matters.