UNDER CANVAS.

Southland Times, Issue 14634, 26 January 1911, Page 3

UNDER CANVAS.

The infantry companies of the 2nd Battalion O.R. at present fulfilling their annual camp of instruction were astir yesterday morning at 5. SO. Just as "parade”, sounded a heavy drizzle set in. which precluded all chances of an outdoor programme. 'The men were marched under cover, where instruction in the theory of company attack and the duties of the various component parts of a company were imparted hv o's.F. "Rations” was sounded at 1.15, and at 2.30 p.m,, an excellent representation of companies and band mustered fur the afternoon manoeuvres. Blank ammunition was served out. and the "enemy,” .100 strong, represented by n detail from the hand. took up a strongly defended position affording excellent cover and line of retreat some SOO yards north-east of the camp. The battalion marched to a screened position, from which patrols were sent out by the different companies. Verv shortly firing to the north signified an attack from snipers on the patrols. Reports followed .shortly, and a general attack followed, companies maintaining a firing line across an allotted front and a lino of supports. The line advanced to about 2<JO yards, wh.cn the .supports reinforced, and a charge was made upon the defenders, thus ending the operation. A comment by Major Murphy upon the work followed. The first vital mistake that occurred —and of course, mis-

takes will happen—was the fact that the patrols, instead of returning after discovering the contending force, remained in defensive positions in front .of .their own firing line, and eventually engaged the enemy. This latter move was ridiculous. Patrols were sent out to get information and return to the base. They were not to light. The effects of the 15 men forming the patrols engaging a force 100 strong well entrenched can well be imagined. Patrols were not dashing enough, and pushed forward too slowly and surely. The firing line could have been improved upon. A misunderstanding had evidently taken place, which left a gap in the middle of the lino some 50 yards wide, a circumstance that in actual warfare would prove disastrous. The reports from the patrols were in the main lacking in concise information. The Awa'rau Rides showed the most’aptitude in this respect, one from Sergl. MacGregor especially being singled out for favourable remark. Maps were better than written matter, and the topography of the country under observation was not difficult of production. On the return the' enemy again went on the jaunt, this time defending the camp. The Awatua Rifles went out for the main attack, and drove in the opposing force on their left flank. The Guards and Oretis pushed forward, this time carefully eliminating their previous mistakes, and a general engagement resulted. The Awaruas, who had gained the camp, threw in their lot with the enemy, and engaged the Oretis, who were developing a second flank movement on the enemy, thus frustrating their efforts. The work was much better carried out, while the reports from patrols and their early location of the opposing force were well carried out. On the return to camp, the O.C the force thanked all ranks for their hearty co-operation and ability shown. Tea was served at 5.15, and at 6.15 “general parade, when the process of breaking camp was commenced, some of the larger marquees being removed. Generally tlie camp will cease to-morrow, ! when reveille will sound at 5.30, parade 6 a.m., breakfast 7 a.m. The remainder of last evening was spent in tent concerts and other light amusements, at 10.30 the camp being silent. Throughout yesterday’s operations the band put in an important part. The excellent muster allowed of a detail as an enemy and a competent stretcher corps. ‘Die work of the latter was uniformly highly efficient. Several casualties were told off. and the treatment of these was interesting, especially to the juvenile element present, who were inclined to view the matter in all seriousness and accompanied their views with tears. Bandmaster Lithgow is to be congratulated upon the work accomplished by ids command. In the evening the hand practised musical drill under the bandmaster, with a view to future entertainment. Parade states were:— Staff 6 Band 32 A Coy. City Guards 56 B Coy. Oreti Rifles 57 C Coy. Awarua Rifles 35 ISO