TRAINING OF THE TERRITORIALS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12707, 9 March 1912, Page 6

TRAINING OF THE TERRITORIALS.

Considerable interest attaches to the first general training- enoiOnpment of the Ninth Regiment, in which the two local infantry companies will participate next week. Major Beere, who will have charge of the. local contingent, returned from a visit to Wellington, this morning. He states that it is estimated that from 1000 to 1200 men will be under canvas* of which- about 150 will go from Grisborne. The site chosen for the camp is 'at Marakeke opposite the railway, station, five miles north of Tiikapau and four miles south of Hatuma. The camp will be pitched. on a flat, dry spot with an extensive area for manoeuvres. So far "D" and "F" companies have not been, fitted out completely with uniforms and equipment, but Major Beeae. states that they should arrive in time for issuing before the men proceed to camp/; if not, they will be issued tit camp. Two sets of 100 each ofJ Mills' web equipment arrived for "D" and "¥" companies by to-day's steamer. The equipment is of the latest type,. and the same as issued to the Imperial service. The Gisborne companies have the distinction of receiving the first; tissue ,in tho Dominion. The equipment comprises waistbelV frog for bayonet, 2 braces, cartridge carriers, pack for overcoat and personal equipment, two Flipporting straps, haversack, water-bottle, and carrier, and entrenching tool carrier. The equipment is. perfectly balanced, and whether the cartridge carriers are full or not there will; be no movement over the shoulders. Another distinct advantage is the fact there ne no straps across the chest, and. a soldier can march with his coat unbuttoned in hot weathei*. The equipment will be issued next week. A quantity of additional Lee-Enfield rifles also arrived this morning. . ': '-j • . Te Karaka. and Whatatutu sectipns of "F" company (detached), will; |j.ara.de at noon on Fi'iday, and Patutahi nnd Manutuke sections at 5 p.m. the fame day for the issue of uniforms, etc. i^o far these men have only attended the preliminary parade for swearing in. and will undergo their first' training at Ihe coming encampment. . The Wairoa Mid Frasertown men of "F" company will join the local contingent at Napier.