EASTER MANOEUVRES

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6492, 11 April 1908, Page 10

EASTER MANOEUVRES

WELLINGTON FIELD FORCES. Preparations are in a very forward state for the field forces which will operate against one another during the Easter manoeuvres. In a chat with Captain Turner, Assistant Quartermas-ter-General, last night a “Timas” inquirer elicited that the contract had been signed by which Messrs Rodd and Co., of Johnsonville, agree' to supply rations to the forces. Messrs Thompson Brotners, of Wellington, have been given the contract for tho supply of firewood, forage, and straw. Supply depots will be established at JohnsonviUe, and Paromata. Tor the last two days a detachment of the .Permanent Artillery has been employed \n laying down the camp and erecting vho tents for the “Red” force at Johnsonvillc. It had been found inexpedient to march the volunteers on to the ground after midnight and expect them to lay down their own camp. Further, as the troops necessarily would have to keep to whatever train < arrangements could bo made by the Kailway Department, they would likely bo detraining in the early morning of the 17th, and darkness '3nd most probably dampness would not £elp the military in their sleeping arrangements. To have comfortable tents it is necessary to erect them in dry weather, and as the volunteers have not lately been sleeping in the‘open, the authorities have thought it best not to keep tho modical officers too busy. The camp at Johnsonville consists of 240 tents and ten marquees. On Monday the Permanent Artillery fatigue party will proceed to Pahautanui, there to erect 180 tents and eight marquees for tho “Blue” force. Tho “Rod” staff have been spending tho last three Saturdays and Sundays in reconnoitring the ground over which the decisive battles arc likely to be fought. Tho commanding officer of the “Red” force was sufficiently enthusiastic to visit Wellington in order to spy out the country, and to get an adequate notion of what should be done.

Captain Turner, who is having a busy time, has been responsible for the selection of camp sites, supervising their laying down, the erection of supply stores, and many other matters of, minutiae. Although there is a Creek near the camp site at Johnsonville, tho medical officers have condemned it as unsafe tor tho troops drinking-water supply, and therefore a pipe-lino is being laid down from ‘a creek three-quarters of a mile distant to bring tho water into the tanks erected for this purpose in the camp. Tho watre supply of the "Blues” will ho drawn from tho Pahautanui river, which has passed the medical censors. The camp supplies and stores will to received in the depots on Wednesday next, nrd the camps will be ready on Thursday to receive the troops. There was a crowded meeting of noncommissioned officers at the drill shed last evening to hoar Captain Turner speak on “Tho issue and distribution of rations.” Keen intercut was evinced by the non-cams., who were given minute instructions as to their conduct, in the matter. , tho idea being to avoid confusion. Subsequently the Battalion adjutant, Captain Cowles, explicitly detailed! “Camp duties' and discipline,” giving a clear sketch of the camp operations of any one day. It is obvious that everything is being done to make tho camp a model one and the instructional manoeuvres a succeed.

In connection with the scheme for the coast defence of Wellington during tno Baiter manoeuvres', Qofimei Campbell wishes it to be understood that although it is incorporated under his orders Captain Richardson, Director of Artillery, has made tho plans. ‘ ' Following are the names Of officers and warrant officers who will form the staff of Colonel G. F. C. Campbell,- commanding the coast defence forces, during the Eacilhr manoeuvres i-Uapftiin Symons, R.N.Z.A.; medical staff, bur-geon-Captains Gilmer, Perry, and Shand; Regimental Sergeant, Major Withers; Division’ll ' Sergeant-Major, Quartermaster Doncaster.