THE DEFENCE SYSTEM.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 87, 19 May 1914, Page 5

THE DEFENCE SYSTEM.

ANOTHER CAMP ABANDONED. Press Association. DANNEVIRKE, May 18. After three days' continuous rain at the Takapau casual camp, it has been decided to send the men home tomorrow. The camp is in a very sloppy condition, and. it has been impossible to drill. • General lan Hamilton inspected the men this.morning and left later for Palmerston North. The announcement to break'camp was received joyfully by the men this morning. GENERAL HAMELTON'S TC/ÜB. PALMERSTON N., May 18. There was a large attendance at the A. and P. Hall to extend a welcome to General Hamilton this evening, the Mayor (Mr J. A. Nash) presiding. The General was . welcomed by the Mayor and Mr D. Buick, M.P., and expressed himself as well pleased with the display given by the Cadets. He contended that the anxiety of those at Home who had relatives fighting in the early stages of the African war, had been responsible for the springing up of the activity in military matters, and. that since the war that feeling had not been allowed to die out. His address was of a humorous character, particularly in its reference to the southerly gale which greeted him at Takapau •when he dropped in on the way down from Hastings to-day. General Godley referred to the enthusiasm shown by Palmerston in military matters, also to the town being an important centre for the headquarters of the Wellington district. He congratulated Colonel Pringle and ethers on being responsible for the inauguration of the annual military tournament, which had proved a great success.

General, Sir lan Hamilton, accompanied by 'General Godley, inspected this afternoon No. 6 Area Group of Cadets at Fitzherbert. The boys assembled at the show grounds, and marched ta the scene of the manoeuvres, a- distance of about three miles. Here a plan of attack and defence was carried out, 1036 Cadets taking part. The manoeuvres were watched carefully by General Hamilton. He criticised the delay on the part of some of the companies in the attack, and also the holding out of the scouts till, the last, as they would have been shot in actual war. He considered the boys carried out their duties well, and complimented them accordingly. v