GENERAL HAMILTON.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 76, 6 May 1914, Page 8

GENERAL HAMILTON.

VISIT TO TAKAPAU. Press Association. TAKAPAU, May 5. General Sir lan Hamilton inspected the camp at Takapau to-day, in glorious weather; He was accompanied by General Godley, the lions. J. Allen, 11. D. Bell, and W. Feasor. The General arrived at 2.30 p.m., and iirst inspected the machine" guns, firing ball cartridge. He watched the mounted men in .action, and also the infantry and artillery. The General took a keen interest in the doings of all troops, asking questions of the officers ami complimenting them upon the work that he had seen.

In an interview, the General said that the men who had come under his notice were a fine average stamp. They were country troops and men who in some senses were half soldiers already. The mounted men could ride splendidly, but the horses were pretty cheap. The Mauawatu Mounted Rifles, however, were remarkablv well mounted.

The General also inspected the camp and cook-houses and expressed himself as avcll pleased with what he saw there. The organisation was most admirable. The general training work of the. camp is steadily proceeding. With improved weather the men are taking an interest in their task and no coinplaint is now' heard. Regarding the disorderly 'occurrence of Sunday night the whole trouble seems to be clue to the fact of extra pay being wanted for the extra days involved in getting to and from the camp. The matter is being thoroughly enquired into. Tomorrow a big held day will be held. A case of diphtheria occurred to-day in the Napier Battery, and there are several minor casualties, but nothing serious.