TROOPS FINISH FIT

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7018, 5 January 1910, Page 5

TROOPS FINISH FIT

AFTER KITCHENER’S SURPRISE A WORD FOR QUEENSLANDERS IN SOUTH AFRICA. “CREDIT TO THEIR STATE.” By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. BRISBANE, January 4. During yesterday’s military operations under the surprise orders issued by Field-Marshal Lord Kitchener, the infantry covered twenty miles and the light-horse forty miles. The troops took great interest in their work, and finished fit and well. The oxieratious, whether Lord Kitchener was aware of it or not, wore carried out over country with which tho forces were well acquainted. The Field-Marshal returned to Brisbane during the afternoon and inspected the cadets. He again hurried out to Lytton Cnmji, and was keenly observant of the finishing stages of tho day’s work. In the evening Lord Kitchener was entertained by the State Government at dinner in Parliament House. In the course of a brief speech th* distinguished guest praised tho work of tho Queensland troops in the Boer war, saying they did honour to them- 1 selves and credit to their State, and. rendered valuable ; assistance to the Empire and to their comrades of the regular army. Ho expressed admiration of tire general prosperity and da velopmcnt of Queensland. (Received January 5, I a.m.) BRISBANE, January 4. Lord Kitchener left to-day for thr south.' KITCHENER'S CAMPS. Latest military orders give particulars of tho troops in each State participating on the camps of continuous training early in the New Year. In Now South AVaJes a total of 535 offioens and 7300 men wore to encamp at Liverpool and elsewhere from January sth to 12th inefueive. In Victoria 377 officers and 2511 men will camp at Seymour and elsewhere fi-om January 10th to 17th. ‘ In Queensland the total was to be 199 officers and 2359 men from December 29th, 1009, to January stb, 1910. The exact dates for the training in tho other States have yet to bo arranged, bnt the strength of the forces are South Australia 1621, AA r estern Australia 1722, and Tasmania 1070. , Lord Kitchener’s time while in New South Wales will bo fully occupied. He will arrive iu Sydney this afternoonThere will be a reception and banquet, and to-morrow and Friday the distinguished general will be present at Liverpool to witness the field-firing operatioma of the New Sopth /Wales Field Foroo 'under General Gordon. On January Bth and 9th there will bo an inepccEou , of cadets in the Inner Domain, and a visit will also be paid to South Head to witness the defence of the city by the artillery, and the operations of the Sydney Fortress. troops (volunteers).