THE ARMY AT PLAY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144669, 1 May 1915, Page 8

THE ARMY AT PLAY.

A DRAMATIC START. The Start of the big cross-country champion race at Aklurshnt early in March is thus described by the AthU-trc Notes:— ■ , •'Punctually at 3 P m - the teams packed into the starting pen. not a man of them away. Suddenly the Cavalry Band, which was entertaining the spectators, stopped in the middle of a selection and started tho opening bars of the National Anthem. To say that the competitors wore astounded gives no idea of their mental state when a motor halted beside them and Queen Marystepped to the ground, to ho escorted, to a point of vantage by General Si j' Hunter and General Gordon, tho chiefs respectively of tho Aldershot Training Centre and tho Aldershot Command.

“But mere surprises wore in stors, for hardly was the Queen seated thar. again the strains of "God Save tlm King’ were heard, and there, riding; across tho green sward, camo Kiuj; George himself. Princess Mary. ab»3 mounted, riding a few yards bchirM him. What a cheer rose from tl 10 packed mass of athletes, who for a m lament forgot in tljeir loyal demonstr ntion that their immediate object was lo win tho divisional championship. B fit they were recalled to their purpose. Uy the" King himself, for. running straight to the starting pens, his Majesty ma cio it apparent that ho himself was to ho the official starter.

"‘Are you ready?’ and n second later. ‘Go!’ As tho men spread < hit fanwisc from tho pen, the King, sitting back in his saddle, was hoard to ; say to the General beside him. ‘What; a magnificent sight!’ So long ns tho n ion were In view his Majesty sat sind watched them, and then., as tho p I ck lengthened out and streamed on to ( ho country road which crosses the Basil igstroko Canal, tho King turned iiis charger, and, at the head of a cavalcade, which included his standej ;d----bearcr with the Royal Standard floating from his lance, galloped after Hho ‘disappearing runners. It was a ni arvollons and unique spectacle, for nl3 ver in tho history of cross-country vaf ring had Royalty followed behind a pacj: of over 500 barriers, or, for the matto r of that, behind cross-country runnel* 1 of any kind.”