THE ADDINGTON CAMP.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12243, 6 January 1902, Page 6

THE ADDINGTON CAMP.

ABOUT 470 MEN UNDER CANVAS. (Pek United Fiikss Arsotiation.) 'CHRISTCHURCH, January 5. Matters are now settling down at the eighth contingent's camp at Addington. Yesterday, although heavy rain fell, the men were comfortable under 'canvas, and useful drill was put in. Last night the Otago and Southland contingents came into camp to the number of 203 officers and men. ' This afternoon the West Coast, Blenheim, and Nelson quota arrived unexpectedly, in charge of Sergeant-major Hcaley. Although the men had been met by n staff officer at Wellington, no advice had been Bent to camp, consequently they were not met and no special arrangements bad been made for the transport of their luggage, etc. The officer in charge, however, soon arranged for their accommodation, and they were quickly provided for. There are now aliout 470 men in camp. As showing the completeness of the arrangements, the bugle sounded for breakfast at 8 a.m., and by 20 minutes past all had breakfasted and the messroom was again dear. This afternoon the camp was thrown open to the public, and a large number of visitors. The Rev. W. S. Bean has been appointed chaplain to the camp, but there was no service this morning, the officer in charge holding nn inspection parade instead. So far there aro only 65 horses in camp, and until the rest arrive from the North Island mounted parades cannot be held. NOTES FROM OTHER CENTRES. (Pkr United Piikss Association.) NAPIER, January *. The bulk of the Hawkc's Bay portion of the eighth contingent left for the camp by express train today. Although no formal demonstration took" place, a large number of friends and others assembled to sec them olf, and they were accorded three hearty cheers as the train left the. station. GISISORNE, January 4. The Gisborno portion of the eighth contingent. 20 in number, left for Wellington to-night. There was a united service in the theatre, and the military corps and a largo crowd of the general public assembled to give the troopers a send-off. THE TRKNTHAM CAMP. (From Oun Onw CoßßEsrnxnissT.) WELLINGTON, January 5. The Wellington section of the eighth contingent were entrained on Saturday. A large crowd witnessed the departure of the troopers to the Trcnthain camp. Two officers of Wellington volunteer corps, fail- I ing to get commissions with the eighth, went out to Trent ham with the Wellington quota as " rankers." A telegraph office will he opened at the rrentliam rill* range during tho eneampt ment of the eighih contingent. A CARLE FROM LORD KITCHENER. (I'er United I'b.kss Association-.) WELLINGTON, January 4. Lord Kitchener has cabled to the Premier: "I. together with the officers and men of (he army m South Africa, deeply appreciate the kindness and untiring assistance we receive from the Government and people of New Zealand. We shall be delighted to welcome the eighth contingent, which I feel mire will add to .the reputation of its prcdeccssoro." WHO WILL BF THE COMMANDER? COLONEL D.WIES DECLINES THE COMMAND. The Wellington correspondent of the Lvtteltou Times t°lograpl»:_ Colonel Davics is, I hear from an Ancleland source (perfectly reliable), not going with the eighth contingent as its commander. It was well known some lime ago that when he accepted the command he wished to make it a condition that the appointment of the officers should be left in lus hands. When the officers were announced with the promptitude to which I referred yesterday, it was thought that Colonel Davies would take umbrage at the implied refusal to accept his condition, hut as it was a condition whieh could not be granted to any man unless he possessed a phenomenal record as a leader, which this colonel of course does not. Iho idea was that he had accepted the posiiion. It turns out now that lie has not. On tiio contrary he has made it clear that he .will not "o with the eighth. The best man in Ihe field is, of course. Major Owen, the acting commandant, hut he is Ihe artillery instructor and the musketry exnert of the forces. Whether he has anplied and whether this a har against him I cannot say. All I can say is that if the major is appointed,he will he the most popular'contingent commander who ever left these' shores, and the most capable.. He is a soil' of Judge Owen, Chief Judge in Faulty, in Mydney. The success of ' the great review;, hi.. Cliriftclmreh on June ; 24 was largely due to. Major Owen's arrange--1 incut*. .... Regarding Colonel. Davies's successor in ' the command of.the. eighth, there is much discussion, because there docs not seem a \ great choice, (ha-fact being that there arc not many candidates. •• Tn military circles ' Major Owen is unanimously regarded as a ■ fit man, but it is held at the same timo ■ that as he cannot be replaced as efficiently [ in his position as musketry (not artillery) | instructor, bis appointment is out of the ' question. The name of Major Smith is J mentioned as the only possible- alternative, ; and the mention evokes diverse comment. r There are many who helieve in iho major. ' admire his steady rise from the ranks of 1 the Christ's .College Rifles to his pre!ent position, and would like to see him go away J at tho head of the contingent. Others declare that the day after his appointmenl ' the camp would be as emply as the Desert ' of Sahara after a simoon. Times nn the - whole promise to be lively.