THE TAPAWETRA CAMP.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13382, 3 April 1912, Page 6

THE TAPAWETRA CAMP.

Tho Territorials nt Tapawera are enjoying tlio best of weather, and the conditions for work arc extremely favourable. The- remarks made by General Godley and His Worship the Mayor have mad© an excellent impression. The- work, winch is chiefly elementary is beginning to produce a good soldierly bearing in the men, and although in ■camp but three days, there is a marvellous improvement in smartness and knowledge. Tho daily-routine of work is> covered by the following, with daily variations as deemed advisable: —6.45 to 7.44 a.m. —Physical training ; 8 a.m., hrpnkfast; 9 to 3.0, sectional squad drill; 10.30 to 11.15, musketry and earo of arms; 11.30 to 12.45,' sectional s-.quad drill and exercises ajtid seraapnore-; 1- p.m., dinner;- 2.30 to 3.30 p.m., parade, under commanding officers of companies; 3.30 to 4 p.m., musketry and earo of arms. All manner of fatigues are arranged for. On Monday, evening Captain Thornton, of the head-quarters staif gave an address to tho officers on many matters in. connection with general camp duties, and his advice if taken advantage of, will do much good in perfecting tho knowledge of tho officers, and improving the companies. Captain Meddmgs", the adjutant, is also a very busy olticer and is sparing no pains in bunging about the best results. Stain Sevgt.-Major Redmond is doing work in connection with the amusement side of the camp after the work of the day is over, and has a choir of about '201) odd men. The singing is of a very high class, especially in key. On Friday afternoon there are to be sports and a good programme; is boing arranged. Captain Robinson is in charge of the programme, with Lieut, fcjaunders as secretary. Opportunity has been taken to- fill up vacancies in the Jion-eommissionou ranks, and quite a large number of appointments nave appeared in orders. M&njiSilipwing! qualifications for the work of instructing iiavo been carefully noted and given rank stripes. Captain 11. M. Irvine, in charge of the eommisariat department is managing it excellently, whilst the permanent Quartermaster Sergeant Bates has done yoeman service in the erection of tho camp, equipping the men with uniforms and provisioning the camp. Mr. H. J. Harris, of Wakeneld, is catering for both officers' and sergeants' messes, and is carrying out his job with much satisfaction. It is rather an unfortunate coincienco that Colonel Burnett-Stuart, officer commanding the Canterbury district, Col. W. A. Day, the brigade commander, and Major Bryant, commanding the 12th Regiment, are all at present laid aside by sickness. The sympathies of the 12th Regiment have been extended to each officer and a wish expressed for their speedy recovery.