IN CAMP.

Temuka Leader, Issue 10053, 12 February 1927, Page 1

IN CAMP.

TEMUKA AND GERALDINE TERRITORIALS. (Contributed).On the 2nd of this month the Temuka and Geraldine Territorials entrained for Burnham to spend a week under canvas at that place. ' Upon arrival ;it the station, the men formed up and marched into camp, being played in by the Ist Canterbury Regimental Band, Tents were apportioned out and .work was-be-gun the same afternoon. In the evening the men received their blankets, ground sheets and palliasses. Lights out was sounded at ten o’clocdc, and all retired to rest after the first day in camp. The Reveille awoke everyone at six o’clock next morning, and after "clearing up the tents, making beds and shaving, the camp sat clown to mess. This and the following days proved strenuous ones, and the troops'were working from daylight to dark. No physical jerks were indulged in, thus leaving more lime for rifle and machine-gun drill. Battle formations were practised, and the use of these was made evident in the sham fight which started at 3.45 a.m. on Monday morning. The camp was under the command of Colonel Inglis, Captain Hooper acting as adjutant. Discipline was strictly enforced, resulting in a number of defaulters appearing “bn the mat” every morning. The Y.M.C.A. put on two picture shows which were greatly enjoyed by the men. This .institution also provided envelopes and writing materials gratis, and consequently large numbers' were always in the writing-room, sending home letters regarding life in camp. The “Optimists” concert party came down froin Christchurch one evening, and entertained) the troops with song and music. Camp concerts were also organised, and Mr Rees MeConachy, of Timaru, was among the many talented ones in camp Avho worked and played for a grateful audience. The canteen was well patronised, soft drinks and' Icb cream being in special demand. The food was only fair at the start, but proved better later on in the week. Although the work was hard, plenty of fun was indulged in at times, and there were some who were sorry to step on the train for homo. '