UNDER CANVAS

Southland Times, Issue 20396, 27 January 1928, Page 8

UNDER CANVAS

TERRITORIAL CAMP TRAINING OPERATIONS AT GORE BATTLE PRACTICE ARRANGED FOR TO-DAY (From Our Correspondent.) The weather yesterday was fine for the training operations of the territorials of the Ist Battalion Southland Regiment in camp at Gore. In the morning Colonel J. Hargest, D. 5.0., M.C., A.D.C., Officer Commanding the brigade, inspected the battalion and expressed his satisfaction at the spirit and keenness of the men. He was also delighted with the appearance of the camp, remarking that it was one of the cleanest he had seen for many years. Last evening the officers of the battalion entertained a number of citizens of Gore, the following toasts being honoured: — “The King,” “The Gore Borough,” “The Gore Racing Club” and “Old Comrades.” During the evening the King’s Colours and the Regimental Colours were escorted to the mess and Colonel Hargest explained to the visitors the meaning of both. To-day, Major-General R. Young, C. 8., C.M.G., D. 5.0., A.D.C., General Officer Commanding the New Zealand Forces, will visit the camp and will be present at the battle practice which will be held during the day. BATTLE PRACTICE. The following is a resume of to-day’s operations:—The battalion will engage in an attack on the enemy outpost line on the ridge west of the Power Board’s substation. The attack will be launched due west, the first objective being Smith’s farm and the second the Croydon Bush road, 1000 yards west of the farm. The battalion will assemble at Martin’s farm, 500 yards west of the sub-station. A and B Companies will lead the attack on the first objective, supported by fire from the Vickers Gun Platoon stationed at various points on the high ground in the rear. On Smith’s farm being captured, C and D Companies will pass through the other two companies and will lead the attack on the second objective. Telephone communication will be made to the leading companies during the advance by the signal section of the battalion. Vickers guns will be taken out in the battalion limbers together with the necessary ammunition. The battalion will lunch on the ground and arrangements have been made to have this meal cooked at a suitable spot. Colonel Cushen, Officer Commanding the camp, is anxious that anyone interested should witness the attack practice during the day. A good view of the operations will be obtained from the road running from the sub-station to Smith’s farm. This practice should give some idea of the splendid improvement effected in the work of the troops during the week. BAND CONCERT. Last evening the Battalion Band from Invercargill gave an excellent programme of music at the camp, when a very large number of Gore residents was present. SPORTS GATHERING. Earlier in the evening an impromptu sports gathering, in which the men took an enthusiastic interest, was The various events resulted as follows: Tug of War—C Company. Relay Race—A Company 1, Headquarters Company 2. 220 Yards—Craig (A Company) 1, Watson (A Company) 2. 100 Yards—Thomson (B Company) 1, Hamilton (B Company) 2. One Mile—Ford (B Company) 1, McLean (A Company) 2. TO-NIGHT’S CONCERT. This evening the battalion will provide a concert in return for the splendid concerts which have been given by the various Gore parties. A good programme has been arranged and the Officer Commanding extends a hearty invitation to the residents of Gore and of the surrounding districts to be present at the concert, and to attend a dance which will afterwards be held on the ground floor dining-room. To-day’s work completes the week’s annual training which has been most successful from every point of view. The Officer Commanding desires to thank the citizens of Gore for their hospitality to which the success of the camp was in a large measure due. This, together with the excellent appointments and grounds at the racecourse, made the Gore Racing Club’s property an ideal site for the camp.