AT THE CAMP.

Southern Cross, Volume 7, Issue 35, 25 November 1899, Page 12

AT THE CAMP.

The best of goodfellowship prevailed throughout. The weather was also good—noo of the “ made itr Germany ” type, but honest home-grown. Some sound sleepers confessed they did not hear the morning gun, and the gate was closed atr-10.30 p.m. too. The only complaints made at mealtimes to the officer of the day were with regard to the water used—like the French at times, rather rusty. On several occasions the adaptability of the Oretis’ uniform for fighting purposes was apparent, the wearers being invisible at a much shorter range than blue-clad men. This, however, did not prevent two <sf them being captured by the enemy, and only released after overpowering the sentry on guard, who got a pretty bad scare from the R.M. and his mate. This corps also supplied two of the hardest worked N.0.0.’s in camp, the Quartermaster Sergeant (Col.-Sergt. Lennie) and .Battalion Orderly (Sergt. O’Toole) the latter taking up the duties on the retirement of Col.-Sergt. Crawford about the middle of the week’s drill. .Captain Henderson was much missed by his corps, although

Acting-Lieutenant Thomson did very well, and, with more experience, should prove a good substitute. The number of officers in acting appointments was remarkable, each of the corps having a proportion. The sham fight at Waikiwi w f as understood to result in a drawn battle, rather in favour of the defenders, the umpire being of opinion that mistakes had been made by both sides, but that Captain Mackenzie occupied the best ground. Regret was expressed that the Garrison Band was not also ordered into camp, the absence of a B flat solo now and then after tea being noticeable. The turn-out of Veterans under Lieut-001. Thomson, Capts. Gardner and Wade, to Sunday’s church parade was very good, but whose fault was it that they were overlooked in the distribution of hymn books ? If there had been as many books as medals amongst them all would hare gone well. The condition of the tents and arms when the official inspection was made ou same day was really splendid, all ranks seeming determined to make a record in this way, and the result tallied with their aim. I understand Quartermaster Siddall will be 'able to show a cash surplus on' his accounts, a state of things which is highly creditable to him for a first venture of the kind. Although plenty of hard drilling was the lot of all, the work had its pleasant aspect as well, and future battalion camps will be attended all the better for the instruction learnt at the late one, and the kindly associations connected with it which permeated all ranks.