UNDER CANVAS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143770, 19 April 1912, Page 2

UNDER CANVAS.

XITH. REGIMENT IN CAMP.

(Special to Herald.)

HAWERA, April 17. The first of the annual camps under the new Territorial scheme opened at Hawera to-day under ideal weather conditions. The special train from Now Plymouth picked up the several country companies on route, and arrived off the Egmont where the camp is being held, at o o’clock. The companies entrained and marched to their respective quarters. The majority of ■ the tents had been pitched during the day, so the men were enabled to make themselves comfortable right away. The large stand of the Jockey Club is being utilised as the mess room, and the several companies eagerly filed in in alphabetical order, and a really good spread was done justice to. The catering is in the capable hands of Messrs, Dustins, Ltd., of Wanganui, and Tommies can rest’assured that the “grub” will bo of the very best, as the first meal proved. All the camp arrangements are firso-class. There is a post office on the ground, and the Hawera branch of the C.E.M.S. has provided a wellstocked library and writing room for the use of the soldiers. The Officer Commanding, Lieut.-Col. Malone, estimates that he has 600 men wih him. Ho expressed himself as very well pleased with the behaviour of the men, especially on the train journey. Absolutely no damage of any sort was done on the journey, and the 0.0. did not fail to recognise this good behaviour. He said there was no grumbling or groaning, and all the men seemed keen, willing and reasonable. The men are in good spirits, and the officers intend to make this the best camp of the North Island. . HAWERA, Ajiril 18. The eleventh Regiment were again favoured with splendid weather to-day. A very heavy day’s work was done, including squad drill, skirmishing operations and visual training work. The men have settled down to the work in earnest.' Each company has had a Staff Sergt. Major allotted it, and already considerable improvement is manifest in many directions. The spiritual welfare of the men is being well looked after, as Chaplain-Major Evans is in camp, and to-night the Bishop of Wellington is to deliver an address. The reading and general recreation rooms are being greatly utilised by all ranks, and the Commanding Officer wishes to thank the Church of England and the Presbyterian Church Society for their generous offers in arranging for the comfort of the troops. The general health of the men is excellent, although SurgeonMajor Home has struck two men off the strength of the regiment. To-morrow (Friday) night a concert is to be held in the grandstand, and as a piano has been secured and the right noises have unearthed some exceptionally healthy and robust voices, all are looking forward to a pleasant evening’s entertainment. The boxing and wrestling contests, for which both the New Plymouth companies have entered largely, are to be held on Tuesday night, and tho sports on Wednesday. At the close of the day’s work the regimental sergt.-majors gave an exhibition of tent-pitching and how the tents should bo kept clean, in which the large assemblage took a keen interest. To-day the several companies were served with the new Webb equipment, wliich, to say the least, is very confusing and complicated. However, like-most new things, the men will soon get accustomed to it, and perhaps find it a great convenience when bn the march.

At the time of wiring (Thursday night) the weather looks anything but promising, and the men are calling out for the issue of the great coats and putties, which so far have not come to hand.