UNDER CANVAS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 85, 17 April 1913, Page 5

UNDER CANVAS.

THE ORINGI CAMP.

THE TROUBLE AT DAXNKVIRKF

EXAGGERATED REPORT

[Per Press Association.] Masterton, April 17. In connection with the alleged misconduct at Dannevirko of Territorials attending the Oringi camp, the Daily Times has received the following telegram from Colonel Tate, officer commanding the Oringi camp: “Thi report was much exaggerated. There were six cases of drunkenness; one window was broken on the train; there was no molesting of women. There was certainly a good deal of noise. Stringent measures are being taken to prevent a recurrence.”

BRIGADE REPUTATION GONE

A SORRY SEQUEL. ALL LEAVE CANCELLED. Dannevirke, April 17. The sequel to Tuesday night’s invasion of Dannevirke by Territorials took place at the Oringi camp yesterday afternoon, when fifteen of those who were arrested on the arrival of the train were fined £1 each for drunkenness.

I The battalion was drawn up and addressed by Colonel Tait, who said that those responsible for the affair on Tuesday night disgraced themselves and the whole camp. There had been many unseemly doings, and though the behaviour of some was satisfactory, others had acted disgustingly. He had not thought, when ho had given leave, that young New / Zealanders would have acted as they had done. The only course he had open to him uas to cancel all leave in the future. The Brigade’s reputation had gone, and the men had to atone for it with no cavilling at the decision.

SUPPORTING THE ALLEGATIONS

Dannevirke, April 17

Regarding the wire from Masterton giving Colonel Tait’s statement that the report was much exaggerated, it should be stated that the information on which the wire was based was obtained from the personal observation of the sender of the message, from railway officials and the police. Railway men are being warned to be careful of the. facts on account of the serious nature of the charges. Molesting women was never alleged. The message stated that women were subjected to gross remarks, and this is borne out by the Territorial’s officers, who mentioned it in conversation, and by the townspeople, who saw for- themselves. The language was shocking, and the affair is the subject of general adverse comments here. i THE YALDHURST CAMP. Christchurch, April 17. General Godley visited the mounted brigade camp at Yaldhurst to-day, and made a close and thorough inspection of the lines. This afternoon there was a brigade massed parade, and after evolutions the General presented a long service medal to Lieut.Colonel Hon. R. Heaton Rhodes, for twenty years’ service. V.D. medals and medals for twelve years’ service were presented to Major Deans, Lieut. McLennan, Sergt.-Major C. A. Lyle, Sergt.-Major P. Curran, Sergt.-Major J. R. Cullen, Quartermaster-Sergt. G. Gray, Quartermaster-Sergt. R. Young, Quartermaster-Sergt. C. E. Walker, Sergt. L. Blundon, Sergt. G. Withers, Sergt. C. B. Davis, Sergt. W. P. Creed, and Trooper W. F. Turner.