LORD KITCHENER.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12730, 28 February 1910, Page 2

LORD KITCHENER.

OPERATIONS AT*JOHNSON Vi \A*& (. United Phess Association. J | Wellington, Feb. 27. The troops engaged in tne manoeuvres -.at uotuisonviKo on Saturday i numbered itUo". The plan of operations was that an enemy was supposed to have landed on tne coast, and to prevent their advance, a lorce, comprising the Nelson district coufcinguent, under -Lieutenant-Colonel Joyce, occupied a big spur. The attacking force consisted of the whole of the remainder of the forces, under Lieutenant-Colonel Baucliope. Each -comniaiider was ordered to dispose his troops in preparation for achieving his object, and to await inspection by Lord Kitchener. After an interesting ''battle," Lord Kitchener stopped the operations at 1.80 p.m. It is understood that the attack failed, owing to the attacking party not realising the weakness or the defence. Lord Kitchener is understood to have said that there was any amount of good material available, but the requisite training was not there, and that it would be a valuable help if some regular BnJ sh 'troops were stationed in New Zealand for a couple of years. The various visiting troops left ior their homes to-day. Lord Kitchener went nortli b> a special train this afternoon.

The Government steamer Tuta.uekai with the Nelson, volunteers, and the Arahura, with the, College Cadets, reached Nelson about 10 o'clock last night. The Garrison Band, which was waiting on the- wharf, headed the procession to town, the battalion being marched to the intersection of Hardy ami Trafalgar streets and thorei dismissed.