THE EASTER ENCAMPMENTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1989, 10 April 1890, Page 33

THE EASTER ENCAMPMENTS.

The volunteers in camp at Tahuna Park paraded on Friday afternoon, when the following was the parade state : —

Staff— Colonel Wales, Colonel Pitt, Major Gordfln, Quartermaster M'lndoe, Sergeant-majors M'Kay, Fowler, and Harrison. ORDNANCE BATTALION.

Staff .—Colonel A. Hill Jack, Acting-major Smith (Dunedin Navals), Acting-Adjutant ABher (L BafcB Battery (Field Artillery).- Captain Proudfoofc, 1 lieutenant, 1 sergeant-major, 2 sergeants, 4 corporali, 1 bugler, 24 gunners ;— total, 34. Dunedin ffaval Artillery. -2 lieutenants, 2 sergeants, 2 corporals, 32 gunnerß ;— total, 38. Porb Chalmers Naval Artillery .—l corporal, 7 gunners ;—total, 8. Peninsula Naval Artillery.— 2 lieutenants, 2 corporals, 19 gunners ;— total, 23. L Battery.— Captain Waters, 2 lieutenants, 1 sergeant, 8 gunners ;— total, 12. Dunedin Engineers.— Captain Beal, 2 lieutenants, 1 sergeant-major, 1 sergeant. 3 corporals, 1 bugler, 19 privates ;— total, 28.

BIFLB BATTALION. Staff.— Major Gallan, Captain Milne, Sergeantmajor Slowley. Garrison Baud.— l sergeant, 1 corporal, 19 bandsmen;—total, 21. City Guards.— Captain Smith, 2 lieutenants, 2 sergeants, 1 corporal, 19 men;— total, 25. North Dunedtn Kifles.— Oaptaia Myers, 1 lieutenant, 1 oolour-sorgeant. 3 sergeants, 2 corporals, 1 bugler, 23 men ;— total, 32. Wakari Kiflei.— Captain Stout, 2 lieutenants, 1 oolour-sergeant, 1 sergeant, 2 corporals, 1 bugler, 14 men; -total, 22. Highland Bifles.— Captain M'Pherson, 1 lieutenaut, 1 colour-sergeant, 3 sergeants, 3 corporals, 1 bugler, 22 men;— total, 32. Irish Bifles.— Captain Fairbairn, 2 lieutenants, 1 colour-sergeanb, 2 sergeants, 2 corporals, 1 bugler, 21 men ;— total, 30. a aud total, 318.

The total number in the camp was rather disappointing considering that within the 10 mile radius of Dunedin there are about 800 volunteers. A considerable number of the absentees gave good reasons for their non-attendance, influenza in many cases being the cause, but others have given no excuse, and' it is likely that a substantial sum will be collected from these delinquents, as the usual fine will be inflicted on them. The cavalry and the South District Rifles did not turn out.

On Friday morning the men responded to the reveille about 6 o'clock, and squad drill was practised for an hour and a-half. . Then from 9 a.m. to 11- a.m. company drill was the rule, and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. battalion drill. B Battery had field gun drill during the. day, and L Battery and the Navals were stationed at St. Clair and the central battery, while the Engineers were delving trenches, and exploding mines by electricity. It is safe to say that should the men ever be called into active service Friday's practice will stand them in good stead. Colonel Pitt, from Wellington, arrived at the camp on Friday morning, and was afterwards busily engaged in noting the various movements of the men.

The Garrison and Ordnance Bands accompanied the volunteers to the camp on Thursday night. The former remained in camp, and their stirring martial strains are to be heard far and near throughout the day. Fine weather favoured the volunteers throughout the Easter Encampment, and the manoeuvres have been attended with great success. Ou Saturday battalion drill was gone through by the whole force; on Sunday, at 10.30 a.m., the whole of the volunteers mustered for divine service. Dr Stuart preached a very eloquent sermon, and additional solemnity was imparted to the proceedings by tbe Garrißon Band, under Mr Wishart. The « Old Hundreth " was played moßt effectively, and the rest of the music incidental to the service was splendidly played. DuriDg the day a large number of ladies and gentlemen visited Tahuna Park, and altogether tho encampment has been more than usually successful. It was part of the programme that was laid laid out by the Defence Office for the encampment at Tahuna Park that there should be a night alarm, and Colonel Pitt, of Nelson, who was appointed by the department as superintending officer at the camp, was charged with the fulfilment of this part of the programme. Among the men who were under canvas it was confidently believed that the alarm would be giveu on Saturday night, and they were all, or nearly all, ready to turn out on the shortest notice, many of them sleeping in their clothes, and they were -more disappointed than sorry when Sunday morning broke without the expected alarm having been given. Having regard to the fact, that Easter Monday had been set apart for field operations, that Sunday night was their last night in camp, that it was a rainy night, and, perhaps above all, that it was Sunday night, and not some other night, most of the volunteers were lulled into a sort of false security, believing that the plan of a night alarm had been abandoned. However, Colonel Pitt's idea was to have the alarm given when it should be least expected, and the occupants of the camp were .surprised late on Sunday night— between 11.30 and 11.45 — by the sound of the bugle alarm. This was quickly followed by the report of a cannon which had been discharged with amazjog alacrity by a member of one of the batteries. Notwithstanding their absolute unpreparedness, the men turned out with most commendable promptitude. The members of the B Battery were ready dressed and armed in seven minutes, and the whole body of volunteers had formed up, ready for march, in the short space of 13 minutes. The quickness with which they responded to the alarm was most praiseworthy, and aot one company alone, but each that was on parade, is entitled to a word of commendation.

On Monday morning the camp was early astir for the field operations. A departure was upon this occasion made from the ordinary practice of dividing the corpß into two parties— one for the purpose of attack, and the other for the purpose of defence— the object that was kept in view throughout the whole of the encampment being not to work the men up to a state of excitement, such as a sham fight between two contending forces would probably induce, but to give them practical instruction in field movement. This being bo, Lawyer's Head was made a point of attack by the combined forces, who marched out of camp about 8 am. with the object of endeavouring to oust the enemy, who were supposed to hojd that point, from their position, and the line that was formed speedily took possession of the range of sandhills at the east end of the camp at Tahuna Park, The Ordnance Battalion comprised the leading division, and were divided into a line of skirmishers, forming their own support and reserve. The line advanced until the left flank rested on the cemetery beyond the sandhills, and the right £Unk occupied a position behind a screen of sandhills, where they would not be observed by the enemy. After forming a line of outposts to watch the supposed hostile forces, the guns were brought into positiontwo of them close to the entrance of Fairyknowes, and other two under cover of the cemetery fence. The Rifle Battalion acted as the main body. The advancing forces finding in imagination that the outposts of the enemy were rather strong, the supports aud reserve of the Ordnance Battalion were brought up, and

the attaok formation being made fire was opened upon the outposts. After the firing had been continued for some time the Rifle Battalion were 1 brought up to relieve the fighting line. They marched through, charged the enemy, drove in the outposts, and gallantly took tbe position. The troops then reformed, and were marched to the Tomahawk Valley for lunch, the intention being that they should proceed further along the Peninsula, and take another imaginary defensive position. On the suggestion, however, of Colonel Pitt -in which Colonel Wales, as officer commanding the district, readily acquiesced — that plan of operations was abandoned, and a corps, consisting of the Highland Rifles, with two guns, was despatched back to the oamp with instructions te defend it, the remainder of the troops being formed into an attacking force to storm it. After lunch, time having been given for thedefendingforcestoarriveatthe camp, the Rifle Battalion were extended to form the attacking line and advanced over the sandhills, which they did with conspicuous skill, covering the ground from the Anderson's Bay road to the Ocean Beach. The guns then opened fire upon the oamp from the position, already mentioned, in which they were placed, and the compliment waa immediately returned by the guns in camp. In the meantime the Ordnance Battalion, which this time had formed the reserve, were brought up to reinforce the attacking forces, who had advanced almost up to the fence of the catnping'ground, and the Engineers' corps despatched a party with a mine, their instructions being to secretly get round the camp, blow up the gate at the entrance of the Tahuna Park, and attack the defenders on the flank. Their object was perceived, however, by a contingent of cavalry, who were assisting the defenders, and were posted outside the camp as scouts. These intercepted the Engineers, of whom Lieutenant May and two assistants were taken prisoners, but the captors singularly omitted, when they took Lieutenant May, to take his mine apparatus also, and that officer, subsequently escaping, exploded his mine and made the supposed breach. Then the attacking forces on the oppoBite side of the ground, being strongly reinforced, endeavoured to close upon the fences, which were stoutly and stubbornly defended by the Highlanders inside, assisted by a number of men who had come into camp during the day, too late to participate in the forenoon's manoeuvres. Strength of numbers prevailed, though, and Tahuna Park was supposed to have fallen to the attacking force. The troops were then marched into camp and formed up, when Colonel Wales addressed them, stating that with the exception of a few hitches the operations and instructions had been highly successful. Colonel Wales added that he proposed that the troops should march to the exhibition, but those who desired to return home could, after they arrived at the exhibition, fall out with the permission of their officers and go straight home. The others would have to remain in the building, but at 9 o'clock they would be required again to form up and march out of the exhibition at the front door. They would then be dismissed, but those who had friends inside might return and remain until the close. Colonel Pitt is naturally unwilling to anticipate the report which he has to furnish to the Government respecting the encampment, but it may be taken for granted that generally his re- j port will be of a favourable character. The arrangements at the camp he regarded as excellent, and the conduct of the men also im- j pressed him favourably, the behaviour of all who were in camp being exceedingly good. From inquiries that he made he found that the rations that were supplied to the volunteers had been so good as to afford no ground for complaint. The drill of some of the companies was, he found, capable of improvement when the encampment was formed, but it had been improved in camp. What disappointed Colonel Pitt was the Btnallness of the parade state, as he had believed there would have been a considerably larger number of volunteers under canvas. The men themselves attribute the smallnessot the muster to the close proximity of the oamp to town, as they say that had the tents been pitched at some place where it would have been impossible to get in and out of town at night there would have been more present. The Dunedin Garrison Band, who were present during the encampment, gave at the officers' mess one evening their first performance upon a set of bells which have recently been imported for their use. The bells are similar to those used by the Lynch Family of Bellringers, and their successful manipulation requires constant and steady practioe. The Garrison bandsmen have, however, made excellent progress, and during the afternoon of Monday a party of them, led by Band-sergeant George, astonished those of the public who visited the park and heard them by tbe proficiency which they displayed. Auckland, April 3. About 250 volunteers went into camp at Fort Takatuna to-night, and they will be joined tomorrow by a number of others. April 7. The volunteers in camp at Takapuna held a sham fight and battalion parade to-day. One body representing an invading party were met by the others as defenders, but the latter were driven back to their entrenchments, and the invaders then retreated under a heavy fire. After the parade, Colonel Hume commented in very favourable terms on the manner in which the encampment had been conducted. On Saturday the officers in camp entertained their friends at dinner. The camp was broken up to-night, and the volunteers returned to town. Wellington, April 6. Very little interesting work was done in camp yesterday morning. In the atternoon toe Wellington and Nelson Artillery had shot and j shell competition with a six-pounder Armstrong, the local battery winning by 16 points, but the visitors were placed at a disadvantage owing to the trail of one of their guns blocking, and the detachment had to' use a strange weapon: The church parade held in camp this morning was largely attended. So far excellent weather has been enjoyed, but this atternoon the wind changed to the south, and there are indications of rain. It has been arranged that a sham fight take place to-morrow. The Naval companies will represent the attacking force, landing in Ohio Bay, while all the other companies in camp will defend the position. Lieutenantcolonel Bailie will be umpire. Major Webb, brigade major of the camp, sprained his ancle yesterday, and is confined to his tent. April 7. The weather was lovely to-day for the holiday, and there was a light southerly breeze to temper the heat. The camp was the principal | attraction, and thousands went out to witness the sham fight. About 9 o'clock the Navals, to the strength of 200, under Captain Duncan, left oamp for Ohario Bay with two Nelson guns to represent the attacking party, while the remainitig companies of the camp with three guns marched in the direction of town with a vi9w of returning to defend the city from the former. About 1 p.m. the Navals made their appearance from two directions— one contingent going from Island Bay proper, while the second came over the crest of the hiHs on the westward side. After brief skirmishing the battle commenced iv the neighbourhood of Berhampoor, and it lasted for upwards of an

hour, when quietness reigned supreme, and the volunteers returned to camp.. From the umpires it was learnt that the Navals had made somft excellent manoeuvres, but in one or two instances were deficient of support; and after taking all the manoeuvres into consideration, the umpires decided that it was a drawn battle. At 4 o'clock camp was struck, and the volunteers returned to Wellington. The visiting teams leave to-night for their respective homes. Lieutenantcolonel Baillie, one of the umpires, gave it as his opinion, from observations made to-day, that Wellington would require a force of 1000 men to defend the city from the attack of a party who may be landed from a hostile ship. During the camp excellent weather has been experienced, and the volunteers express themselves satisfied with the arrangements. Chbistchttbch, April 7. The Easter camp of the local volunteers was broken up to-day, after the men, to the number of 460, has spent three days in camp at Hillborough. RIFLE MATCHES. On Easter Monday a team of the High School Cadets journeyed to Mosgiel to try conclusions with the local men, and, contrary to expeotation—as the range is a difficult one, and was known to only one of the visitors— succeeded in winning by 37 points. A dull light and unsteady wind made good scoring difficult, the highest score of the day having a miss included in it. Scores :—

The Porfcobello Rifle Club held their third competition for prizes on Saturday. The weather was beautiful for a day's outing. The wind at the first two ranges was strong and puffy from the right, changing to the left at the long distance. There was a strong muster of the club, partly owing to the club's team that fired with the Dunedin club being challenged to fire a match with another 10 men picked from the club ; the losing team to pay for the refreshments. After an exciting contest the first team won by 13 points. Ranges, 300, 400, and 500 yards ; five shots at each : — Ist class. 2nd class. Hep. Tl. Hop. Tl. John Christie ... 8— 58 Jas M'Gartney .. 10 —47 J Duekmanton.. 8 — 66 — Olearwater ... 40 O M'Oartney ... 7 — 55 Jos Cross ... 10 — 40 Jan Diokaon ... 50 S T Wilson ...10 —39 W Diokson ... 50 Bobt Wilson ... 10 —39 D Dickson ... 46 J J MAuley ... 10 —39 G O M'Oarfcney.. 6 — 46 Q Cross ... 10 —37 — Porterfield ... 2 — 44 Jas Maoandrew 36 J J M'Oartney.. 8 — 44 Maj M'Cartney 43

Cadets. 200 300 500 yds. yds. yds. Tl. 3apfcain Montgomery ... 25 24 23 —71 Jieutenant M'Brearty ... 25 25 21 —71 Jergeant Adams ... ... 26 23 21 —70 3ergeant Jack ... ... 21 10 21 —61 Private Mandl ... ... 22 19 20 —61 [nsbruotor Hanna... ... 27 22 11 —60 Private Armstrong ... 27 13 15 —55 449 Bast Taihri. Jergeant Hendry ... ... 30 27 23 —80 lieutenant Kennedy ... 22 21 19 —62 Private Gibson ... ... 26 22 12 —60 Private Blder ... ... 27 13 15 -5o Private Maokie ... ... 25 17 13 —6a jieutenant Cameron ... 25 17 9— 51 Private Steele ... ... 23 15 11 -49 412