EASTER CAMP.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12501, 30 March 1909, Page 1

EASTER CAMP.

j The local military authorities having definitely decided upon Tapawera as the site for the Easter camp, arrangements towards making the fixture a complete success are now progressing. In the whole Nelson district probably no site is more suitable for a training camp on a large scale than the Tapa- : vera district vith its many paddocks ; and general conditions so useful to [ the training of the citizen soldier. ; When it was announced that transport . for distant corps was doubtful there i was a prospect of the muster being somewhat affected, but it is quite evident now, that the headquarters department did not intend .to isolate the Marlborough contingent on the score of the small transport expense. The camp will this year excel in many respects that held at Redwood's Valley, and the attendance will be quite half as large again, owing to the fact that the Marlborough Mounted Rifles who leave their headquarters on Wednesday of Easter week, are bringing a. strong contingent, whilst tlie Waka-t-j Mounted Rifles, who also were not present last year, will muster-probab-ly fifty. . Hie Motueka and Takaka Mounted Rifles will also have a larger representation. The other corps are reported to be able to muster over hity per cent. In all there should " be over 400 men, whilst there will be close upon 200 horses. It is understood that it is the intention of the employers to close tljeir establishments from Good Friday to Easter Monday, and this will facilitate the men remaining in camp during " the whole period. Arrangements are being made for the Marlborough Infantry to reach Nelson in time to leave by the early morning train on Good Jmday, so that all units will be under canvas before noon. In previous camps road transport has been a very heavy item, but as the camp will be fixed only a few yards from the Tapawera station road 'transport will be reduced to a minimum, whilst the troops will not suffer from a fatiguingmarch after detraining. ' The .camp "this. year will be more of a. standing' character, the whole. '"of the troops will be brigaded together, and tho work to be carried out will be of such a nature as to enable continuous manoeuvres to be carried out- with, opposing forces in 1910. Camp will be struck on Easter Monday afternoon the morning of that day being devoted to field firing at unknown ranges. Capt Reade, Government Veterinary Surgeon, will attend the camp owing to the large number of horses to be present. With fine weather four days' excellent training should bo obtained. A large number of oil sheets and moss tins have been received and will be used chiefly by outpost troops pnd bivouac shelters are being provided. The Department is ,to~be commended on the practical interest that is being taken in this year's manoeuvres by the provision of many necessary articles and conveniences.