VOLUNTEER CAMP

Southland Times, Issue 21649, 10 March 1932, Page 4

VOLUNTEER CAMP

ATHLETIC MEETING ’SUCCESSFUL FIXTURE. Ths members of the First Battalion, Southland Regiment, holding their annual bivouac at the Showgrounds this week held a sports meeting last evening. Competition was keen in all the various events and the fixture proved a success in every way. The athletic meeting was on the tabloid system, under which six teams, each of six men, competed, the team, as opposed to direct individual, performances being taken into account for the trophies which, donated by the Territorial Association, took the form of orders on the canteen. A fair number of spectators were present and evinced considerable interest in the performances.

The programme of the athletic events comprised 80 yards sprint; 40 yards backward race; putting the shot; three standing jumps; hop, step and jump; high jump and relay race. Points were given to each team in accordance with the success of its individual members.

The final result of the events gave. the first placing to No. 4 team with 41 points, the winning members being Volunteers R. Ferris, A. Wilson, E. Gumbley, E. O’Connell, J. Hastie and F. Boyle. A tug-o-war also provided considerable enthusiasm and amusement, but owing to darkness soon setting in, the tent-pitching and striking and the pillow fighting and pole events could not be despatched. The following was the official committee which efficiently despatched the races: Judges, Majors McHugh, Selby, S. J. Kelly and W. A. Gow and Captain T. Mathews; starter, Lieut. T. E. Henshelwood; register keeper, Lieut. A. J. Moore; ground Steward, SergeantMajor Sutton. At the conclusion of the meeting an open air concert, provided by Mr Kennedy Black and assisting artists, was much enjoyed by both the volunteers and the public, while various items by the Regimental Band added to the success of the evening. Yesterday's Camp Activities. Yesterday morning the volunteers prepared the range, while in the afternoon an interesting lecture on the tactical employment of inachine-guns in advance guard and attack was given by Major Kelly, who also explained in detail a sand table of the Battalion’s tactical scheme for Friday’s manoeuvres. The bearer section, under Major Gibson, spent a profitable period in stretcher drill and sick parades, while lectures on various phases of the work were given by Corporal K. Hamilton. In the evening, prior to the sports meeting, the bivouac was thrown open to inspection by the public and quite a number of people were present, to view the spick and span sleeping tents, mess and social rooms, kitchen, etc. His Worship the Mayor (Mr John .Miller) waa present last night, by invitation, at the officers’ mess.