THE CANTERBURY VOLUNTEERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9513, 10 April 1909, Page 5

THE CANTERBURY VOLUNTEERS.

AN ATTACK ON THE OUTPOSTS. [Feom Oxtb Cobkespondent.] The outpost pickets stationed last night had a fairly uneventful time. As the men had had no sleep previous to task of keeping faithful watch and guard over the main, approaches to the camp, their task must have been an onerous one. Late last night the "Star's" correspondent made a tour x>f the outposts, and was challenged at each point, showing that yigilance 7 was well maintained. An official visit w^s made to each outpost station during the night by Oolonel Howkin^ officer commanding the forces. Towards daybreak a party of mounted men under Major Dean and Captain Johnston were sent out from camp with the idea that they should attack one. of the outposts, the movement being designed to test the vigilance of the outposts and the efficiency of their methods of communir cation. The mounted force opened fife on No. 1 outpost, and a great deal of ammunition was blazed away by the attackers and defenders. The attack was made just as the outpost was about to be relieved, an hour before dawn, by the South Canterbury men. such attacks being generally made in active warfare at the time when the outpost men may be supposed to be most fatigued and sleepy. No general attack was made. On returning^ to the camp at , 6.30 a.m. the outpost party, which had ■ now passed three day© with very little Bleep, was ordered to fall in again at 7.45 a.m. for to-day's manoeuvres. , Colonel Hawkins, .however, merciful|y allowed these men two hours' leave in order that they should get a little wellearned rest. . ,:.•■■.■ TO-DAY'S MANOEUVRES.