TERRITORIAL CAMP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19563, 16 February 1927, Page 14

TERRITORIAL CAMP.

WORK At HOPAHOPA. OVER 1000 MEN ' ASSEMBLED. INSTRUCTIVE EXERCISES. [by telegraph.—ovvn correspondent.] . 4 NGARUAWAHIA. 4 Tuesday, Tho largest annual. military training camp in the Northern Command is being held at the Waikato camp, Hopahopa, where over 1000 territorials from the Ist Battalion,' Auckland Regiment, and the 4th HowitW Battery are under canvas. This is the second year in which this site has been used for training- purposes, and a large number of trainees drawn from Auckland and suburbs is experiencing the i routine and discipline of a military camp for the first time. Lying close to the banks of the Waikato River the long straight lines of white tents, present an orderly and picturesque sight from the crest of the low surrounding hills. To the south is the extensive parade ground across which are dotted each morning ~ white-shirted sqiiads from • the five companies after tunics have been removed for tho serious business of the day following battalion inspection. Drill is carried out all day, except for a respite for luncheon, and tho morning round of the water-cart is one of the most looked-for events. The total strength of the battalion is 872, comprising 765 men, 28 commissioned officers, 7-G n.c.o.'s, and a number of staff instructors. The complement includes tho newly-organised Regimental Band. There are about 200 men in the battery. Major H. C. Glendinning is camp commandant, while Lieut.-Colonel E. G fraser is officer commanding the battalion. He has Major N. C. Maclw, M.C., -as second in command, Captain P. L. Villar. M.C., of the South Wales Borderers, as adjutant, and Staff-Sergeant-Major W. Landman as regimental sergeant-major. A progressive routine has been drawn up for the battalion's training, which ranges from platoon and company drill to night marching and battle practice. All day manoeuvres will be carried out on Thursday and part of Friday and provisions will accompany the men from the camp at an early hour in the morning. Co-operation in Manoeuvres. Following the camp last February and the experience then gained, the battalion will co-operate this year with the battery in advanced manoeuvres, so that such work should prove exceptionally interesting to the men. Although heavy rain fell the day after the first 400 men arrived in camp, the weather has? since oppressively hot. -In view of this it was intended by .the battalion commander to commence training shortly after sunrise and. cease work during 1 ' the hot mid-day hours, but this was found to be impracticable owing to the heavy dew and fogs which descended on the ground overnight. With the arrival of tjie final detachment of 397 on Saturday training commenced, in earnest, and at the end of the week an inspection will be carried out by, Major-General R. Young, qfficercommauding the New Zealand Forces , Intensive training is undergone daily in a quiet corner of the cump by 100 men and three officers, who have been selected to act as the guard of honour on the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of York at Auckland, and a high standard' of efficiency has already been attained. All men are this year strictly confined to camp bounds, •"and no leave is, being granted except in exceptional circumstances. However, the absence of this privilege, which was regarded in the past as a popular right, has not produced regrets, for none has had cause to complain of lack of amusement or recreation. Various Piversions. Two footballs provido ample sport after tea, while the Y.M.G.A. marquee and concert hall, a converted mess hut, draw large crowds each evening. Two excellent concerts have already been held, a party journeying from Hamilton on one occasion, while members of the battalion organised a humorous tsevening. Two more parties from Hamilton will visit th® camp this. week, while in addition moving pictures have been shown and addresses given by Mr. A. W. McMillan, the secretary. Numerous improvements have been carried out since last year. The tents are, spread further out and much uneven ground has been levelled. Tho kitchen block has been improved and ample hot water is available. A, new store has been erected at. the north end of the camp, while a large ordinance store is in course of construction near the railway line. A branch line runs into this store, and in future the handling of material will bo greatly facilitated. Owing to the dangerous current in the Waikato River no swimming is allowed, but numerous shower-baths are in great demand after the day's work is done. Several trophies are being competed for amonrt the companies and marks are awarded during camp. The Walker Challenge Cup wil bo presented for night marching, the Coltman Cup for the company maintaining, the cleanest lines and the Suffolk Shield for the best company in the marcli-nast. A special snorts programme will lie decided on Friday afternoon. when relatives and friends of trainees are invited. The battalion will strike camo the following day.