FIELD DAY AT THE COLLEGE.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14893, 16 October 1918, Page 2 (Supplement)

FIELD DAY AT THE COLLEGE.

m, ■ •,, , September 28th lhe kelson College Cadets, who have ■been m "barracks" at the College sinco Tuesday last, held a field day yesterday alteinoon, the proceedings Wng witnessed with considerable interest by a largo assemblage of the public, which included the Mayor (Mr W. W siod pss) Mr T. A.H.FieId.M.P., and members of the Board of Governors. At 3 o clock the Cadets were inspected by Colonel N.-.P. Adams, CM.G. (Campi Commandant at Featherston), who was' companiod by Majors W C. Morrison?! (0.0 «,f the "barracks"), G. R. Blacliptt (second in command), and C V Leeming (artillery officer). ' -,'i After the general salute, V/hich was receiye-1 by Colonel Adams, the Cadete marched past in parade order, returning past th« saluting hase in company oi* «er. 1 latoon movements were then earned out under Major C. H. Broad me La Gets: displayed a: steadiness on Parade that .would have done credit to trained troops, and the various, movements were smartly executed, earninrr tue hearty commendation of the officers on parade.-

A squad under Sergeant-Major A. A lhompson gave a display of a few exercises m the new physical drill syllabus as carried out in the training camps, and also played several of the piiysiLal drill games, which, while toachinp quickness, afford a pleasant change in the ordinary routine. Although the lads had only had a day's training th©v shaped r<&lly weM. Nest followed a trench raid, in which a party of infantry raided enemy troops entrenched at the eastern end of the ground, returning with prisoners and information .valuable to the attackers.

proceedings closed a mimic attack, supported by artillery, on troops entrenched under the hills. The attackers were in command of Major Conway and Major Blackettwas in charge of the defenders. After the artillery had opened fire on the opposing trenches the mrantry advanced in oxtended order, with three lines of supports and an ambulance corps to deal with the casualties The infantry were supplied with blank ammunition, and for a time the sound of rifle fire brought back to the returned officers on the oround memories of the real thing. The attackers were met v/ith a withering fire from the defenders, who were also supported by artillery. . Both sides used bombs freely as they came to close quarters. The attackers gained the day, and captured the officer commanding the defenders, notwithstanding a gal" lant effort, made by the "ba&es" to rescue Jnm, Whether the latter was part of the programme or not was not stated. The work was very efficiently earned out.

An inspection of the "cook-house" and dmmg hall, where the Cadets have been having their meals durino- the barracks," showed that everything was scrupulously clean, and the" food provided of the very best. The Cadets have thoroughly enjoyed their brief spell in oarracks, and the training they have received has brought them to a hifih state of efficiency. Lieutenant-Colonel Sleeman, after a thorough inspection of the Cadets, said that £0. 1 Platoon (commanded by Captain H. P. Kidson) was the best drilled platoon he had seen in New Zealand.