TAKAPAU CAMP

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8737, 20 May 1914, Page 9

TAKAPAU CAMP

ABANDONED ON ACCOUNT OP RAIN. TROOPS RETURN HOME. The camp at Takapau has been favoured with anything but good weather ever since it began, and at one period there was a likelihood that it would have to be abandoned prior to Sir lan Hamilton’s visit. However, the elements moderated somewhat, and there were a few fine days towards the latter end of the big encampment, but now word has been received that the “casual camp,” which followed, had to be abandoned yesterday, and the men entrained for home during the morning. f Altogether, there were about 800 men in the camp. They came from all parts of the Wellington military district, and their period of training was to have extended till Sunday next. On Friday last, rain commenced to fall, and has continued ever since. Anyone who has visited Takapau will fully appreciate what such a downpour would mean, for the large open paddock on which the camp is situated quickly becomes a quagmire iu those places where there is any traffic, in the way of waggons carting stores, etc. The horse lines, too, would be anything but suitable for good animals, such as were used at Takapau, to bo tethered in. Drill would bo quite out of the question; though Sir lan Hamilton made an inspection of the men on Monday and left for Wellington yesterday. The men would heartily welcome the news to break camp, and it is not anticipated that the Defence Department will hold a further encampment this year ■bo make up for the days lost by the “casuals ”

The weather conditions have proved one thing, and that is that the encampment is held far too late in the year for practical purposes, and February, or the beginning of March, can confidently be expected as Hie selected time next year. A Press Association message received yesterday stated that camp broke up in the morning in wet weather, the territoriaels going north and south by the early trains. The Main Trunk men were 'to connect with the train at Palmerston North, and would arrive home last night. The Wellington men returned by the Napier express last .evening.