Tpe Takapau Camp

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 287, 7 May 1914, Page 5

Tpe Takapau Camp

j A FINK PRACTICAL WAR LESSON. I CREDITAI'.LE WORK BY TERRITORIALS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Takiipau Military Camp, Last Night. The big field <lay at the Takapau encampment was held in fine, hot weather. The manoeuvres were very successful from a practical standpoint, and gave the few civilian onlookers a splendid idea of the conditions in actual warfare.

The scheme of operations was for the main forces of infantry, artillery, and batteries to attack a position held by the rearguard of the forces, who were retreating. The country was most suitable for the work of this kind, and operations were carried out by the men in magnificent style. They started out from camp about 10 a.m., "and the final assault by the party fighting the rearguard action took place at 'half-past 12. The engagement would have terminated earlier, but for the mounted men of the attacking force getting into wrong territory, through mistaking the base of the enemy. This necessitated tho reserves of the attackers being called up, ajid the mounteds making a big detour to rectify their mistake. This they did in excellent style. All this time howitzers and field guns had been supporting the attackers, while there was a continuous bark of rifles throughout.

The men worked willingly and well, and no finer practical war lesson will be given in New Zealand for some

General Sir lan Hamilton, and staff, and General Godlcy and staff, critically watched the operations, and at Sir lan Hamilton's request, the proposed scheme for the Mounteds was abandoned in the latter stages and one of his own substituted, being very creditably executed. The troops marched past in column in the afternoon, in the presence of many spectators. The enquiry into tho disturbance of last Sunday has not yet concluded. General Hamilton departed to-night for Hamilton.

Addressing the officers after the march past, which took forty-three minutes, General Hamilton said the whole attack was worked out well. It was very creditable. There has been an appearance of cohesion and weight. The attacking army came up well together, the blow came in at the proper time, and the result was realistic and very satisfactory, and the display interesting and successful.

The General presented several long service medals.