THE TERRITORIALS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIII, Issue 18, 18 May 1912, Page 3

THE TERRITORIALS.

THE WAVERLEY CAMP. The AVaverley correspondent of the Paten Press writes as follows: Picture lilies and Sines of gleaming tents, and linos and lines ol white covered liorses, the air filled with sharp commands combined with laughter, song and music from the inhabitants of canvastown—and you have the camp of the West Coast (2nd) Mounted Hides on the Racecourse, Waverley, as it appears as this tired trooper ol the Territorial Army attempts to carry out his editor's instructions and tiiose of his officers as well.

The total strength of the camp is 100 men. It comprises: A .Squadron, the Waimarinos and Wanganuis of 100 men ; 15 Squadron, the local squadron of 66 men ; C Squadron, the Hawcras of 88 men ; and .1) Squadron, the Stratfords and Waitaras of 73 men; the staff officers ,cooks, etc., bringing the total to 400. The camp of course is commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Davis, the 0.C., the staff officers 'icing Major White, brigade major. Captain Cardale, adjutant of the area. who is assisted by Captain Klingender. assistant adjutant. A Squadron is commanded by Captain Stevenson, of the Waimarinos, the left wing, and Captain Chisiholm, of the Wanganuis, the right wing. The right wing arrived per road, early in the afternoon and the left wing by troop train which arrived at the siding at 8 o'clock". I ; Squadron is commanded by Captain .1 Elmslie, Lieutenant IX McDonald Lieutenant Muir and Lieutenant Xel son. Tho local men arrived in tin forenoon. C Squadron, which include; the MG section, is commanded by Cap tain Sutherland and Lieutenant Cameron (MG section), and arrived In train early in the afternoon, i) Squadron is commanded by Captain Hinty ami arrived with C Squadron. As is usual on pitching the camp, the regimental quartermaster, Cap lain Fred. Johnston, and his assistant Quartermaster-Sergeant C. Davis had a, busy time, hut were quite equal to the occasion. The autocrat of every camp, the cook, carried out hi. duties will, and for a first day tin men fared well despite the absence ol salt, etc.

The encampment comprises 100 bell tents, four marquees and two operating tents. One of the marquees i.--occupied by .Mr H. R. Hill, who is limning a dry canteen. The Church ol England .Men's Society is running a reading room. Many and varied have boon the expressions of a number of the "rookies,'' who have already learnt something of soldiering. Indeed at the conclusion of the camp it. will bo very little that a trooper cannot do. "What do you think," said a budding soldier, "Fv< turned my hand to every bally thin;.' to-day. I've pitched tents," I've dug drains, erected a washhouse, carried orders, peeled 'spuds,' and to finish up piloted a drunk cook- from the siding to the camp." That day's work is just a sample of what every man ha:' to do. There goes "Lights out" and f haven't got my puttees off. More anon. Friday's programme is a da\ on the hills. It has been decided to held Sun day's church parade in tho afternoon instead of in the morning, as previously announced. The public are invited to all amusements, including Saturday afternoon sports. ADDRESS BY PRIME MINISTER^ (Per Press Association.) Dannevirke, May J 7. The mail train from Napier was momentarily held up at Dannevirke while tihe Prime Minister addressed the Territorials on their way to the casual camp a.t Masterfon. He said tinit he had received placards with the statement: "Sir Joseph Ward and Hen. Thomas Mackenzie are the Premiers who gaoled our boys" and "As workers you are training your boys to shoot you down." Instead of ti.is they were being trained to defend the country where workers were happier than in any other. The Prime Minister asked if they wove in favour of such placards, and the Territorials chorused "No!"