FEDERAL ESCORT NOTES.

Southern Cross, Volume 9, Issue 4, 27 April 1901, Page 12

FEDERAL ESCORT NOTES.

Writing from Federal Escort Camp at Christchurch, Bergt. Lennie says : ‘We don’t expect to be here later than Friday. All the Infantry are are now in camp with officers and non-coms as follows :—Capt. Fisher, Christchurch ; Col-Sergt. Colclough, Christchurch ; Corp Roach, Wellington ; Bugler Warren, Wellington; and 19 privates, all other squads being similarily constituted. Our duties now extend from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., with leave till 10 p.m. Guards are mounted by different squads in rotation. I was Sergt. of Guard on Saturday, but will soon be a pull private again, there being no less than nine Sergts and three Col.Sergts. in our squad. Our uniforms, which are to be Khaki, with scarlet facings, are not ready yet, but we have been served with tan boots (for which we pay), overcoat, oilsheet, kitbag, overalls, blue nightcap, slippers and leggings. Having to handle a new weapon did not prove very difficult, and I can fix and unfix swords as well as with the M.H. The sling causes more trouble, being placed over the trigger guard. One of the tents occupied by the Navals was burned down on Saturday night—all personal property being saved. An enquiry is being held as to the cause. The Maoris in camp are a very lively lot, but as good as any at their drill, which is saying a good deal. Camp regulations, which are very strict, are closely adhered to, the penalties being dismissal or stoppage of leave. The average height of the infantry squad is 6ft. 2jin., and includes the two tallest men in camp —6ft. Sin., and 6 ft. 4in. We have a lieutenant from the North serving as a private. Latest information is that we go to Wellington, thence to Sydney, and by rail to Melbourne, and I think we return to Christchurch previous to being disbanded.

(By Telegraph)

Christchurch, April 25, 11.20 p.m. A few words before leaving. It was announced this evening that we leave for Lyttelton about 5.30 to ship ex Warrimoo for Wellington, arriving in Sydney on 2nd May. Full dress uniforms were served out to-night. They look very well — Green shade Khaki, crimson facings,

slouch hats, etc., and a complete outfit as given to previous contingents. To-morrow a full dress parade and march through the street takes place. Hard drilling has been the rule this week, consequently all are veiy proficient. The company appointments announced this evening include the following ; —Q. M. Sergts to Mounted and Infantry Branches :—Q.M. Sergt Simpson, Auckland, and Sergt.Searle, Dunedin. Battalion Sergt.-Major : Sergt. Colclongh, Christchurch. Infantry non-coms. : —Sergt. R. Roach, Wellington, and Corporal Lennie, Invercargill. The College rifles to-night entertained Sergt. Colclough, and the N.C.0., making him a presentation. He has served 18 years in the corps. The weather is still good and likely to continue, and all are in hopes of a pleasant voyage. Kindly remember me to all “ Magpie’s ” readers.

Tom Lennie