THE EASTER CAMP.

Colonist, Volume XLI, Issue 9108, 28 February 1898, Page 2

THE EASTER CAMP.

The question of the Easter Volunteer camp has commenced to occupy the attention of our Volunteers, and many opinions are put forth as to the site likely to he chosen. Westport has generally been accepted as the most probable spot, but the Press Association telegram recently received from Wellington would indicate that as large a force as possible will be assembled in the Empire City this year, in order to find out what protection could be given to New Zealand's chief port in case of necessity. We hear there is some probability of the Nelson contingent being taken to Wellington this year, and that Colonel PolePenton, Commander of the forces, has expressed a wish in this direction. Some memoranda have passed between the authorities on the subject. A camp at Wellington would be favorably received here, owing to uncertainty of getting in and out of Westport in bad weather, and the men are loth to accept the possibility of a second edition of the Feilding camp. Unfortunately, the Coast Volunteers have been anticipating a camp at Westport, and if it is not held there, a very great amount of disappointment will be felt amongst them. In view of the approaching Easter camp, a circular has been issued from the Nelson District Office, recommending officers commanding corps to exercise their corps in; Drill in extended order; guard and sentry duty : and outpost duty — and for the time being to dispense with company movements. The firing exercises are now carried out as follows;— The instructor gives " volleys at (object), at (range) "; or "volleys by half-company (or by sections)" ; Of independent fire, &c ; cease fire ; order arms. Commanders of units will give the executive words, and will keep up the firing until the instructor blows his whistle. All section commanders repeat the whistle signal, when the men will trim the rifle to the " ready," whether loaded or unloaded. Units will not (as hitherto) fire the first volUy by rotation unless they are specially ordered to do so, thus : " Volleys by (uniti nam«d) from the (flank named). !