BIVOUAC TRAINING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21115, 24 February 1932, Page 11

BIVOUAC TRAINING.

THE AUCKLAND REGIMENT.

INSPECTION BY GENERAL.

An inspection of the bivouac of the First Battalion, Auckland Regiment, at Long Bay, was made yesterday by MajorGeneral W. H. Sinclair-Burgess, general officer commanding the New Zealand Forces, who complimented the officers and men of the regiment on their keenness and enthusiasm.

The bivouac is near the beach, 14 miles north of Devonport, an ideal camp site having been made available by Mr. Vaughan. Tliero are 24 officers and 69 other ranks under canvas, and an interesting and instructive routine is followed each day. Reveille is at 6 a.m., and after biscuits and coffee the men parade in bathing suits for physical training and swimming. Parades are held from 9 a.m. to 11.45 a.m., and from 1.15 p.m. to 4 p.m. The work done covers a wfdu range, including machine-gun operations of all kinds, tactical training and half an hour's arm drill each day. The last two days of the camp will be devoted to tactics in the field. The men appear to be thoroughly enjoying the camp and their officers speak enthusiastically of their discipline and keenness. Tho recently-formed regimental band is also in camp, and last evening a concert party arranged by the Territorial Association visited the camp and entertained the men to an excellent programme. The association gavo further evidence of the valuable service it is rendering to the military forces by a donation to the regimental funds and a gift of cigarettes for the men. Tho battalion is commanded by Li'euten-ant-Colonel N r . L. Macky, M.C., with Major C. Seaward, M.C., as second in command. Lieutenant Wooller is adjutant and Captain Harrison quartermaster. The Rev. W. Averill is in camp as chaplain, and Captain J. 11. IT. Wood, N.Z.M.C., is tho medical officer.

Addressing the members of the regiment, Major-General Sinclair-Burgess said that although tlie country was going through a difficult period, lie was glad to see that employers realised the necessity of men being allowed leave to attend bivouacs. He expressed the hope that the battalion would have a stronger representation at the next annual camp, and said he was sure the unit would live up to its traditions. lie also commented 011 the excellent work the. Territorial Association was carrying out in the Northern Command.

The troops then moved out from bivouac to carry out an attack, which was witnessed by the general and Colonel J. Duigan. The camp will end on Saturday.