GENERAL NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18380, 19 October 1921, Page 3

GENERAL NEWS

The first camp of the newly-organised Southern Mounted Rifles Brigade was held at Burnham from the 4th to 13th of this month. The brigade, which js under the command of Colonel John Findlay, C. 8., D. 5.0., is composed of the following regiments:—lst Canterbury M.R.. commanded by Lieutenant-colonel Acton-Adams. D. 5.0.; sth Otago M.R.. commanded by Major G. R. Mitchell, D. 5.0.; Bth Nelson and Marlborough M.R., commanded by Lieutenantcolonel 11. H. Allison. Officers and noncommissioned officers only were called up this year, and the course comprised a very thorough “brush-up” in mounted rifle training, musketry, and physical drill. The evenings were devoted to lectures on the tactical handling of the Hotchkiss rifle, supplies. topography, use of the compass, and night marching. The brigade was under canvas, but several of the large_ buildings that comprised the old industrial school were utilised as mess and class rooms. The Y.M.C.A. and a well-stocked canteen materially added to the comfort of all ranks. On the - afternoon of the last day in camp a “tabloid” athletic meeting was held, teams of 11 men each regiment. a keen contest resulting in a narrow win for the Otago men. It is pleasing to note that a very large proportion of the mounted officers who saw active service in the late war have decided to “carry on" with the brigade, and so give the younger Territorials the benefit of their experience. A garden party was held on Saturday last at the ■ residence of Mrs John Elliott, “Garthmayl,” Middlemarch, for the purpose of raising funds for Dr Brirnardo’s Homes. Stalls laden with vegetables, baking, sewing, and sundry articles were placed in the shade of the trees, and a very satisfactory sum was eathered in this pleasant way. Mr W. J. Thompson, in moving a vote of thanks to Mrs Elliott, expressed the gratitude of the gathering for the pleasant after noon and the kindly interest taken by Mrs Elliott in so worthy a cause.