TERRITORIAL FORCES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10441, 22 April 1912, Page 2

TERRITORIAL FORCES.

THE MOTUKARARA CAMP

The First Mounted Rifles and No. 6 Mounted Ambulance Brigade are at present encamped at Victoria Park, Motukarara, the total strength consisting of 380 officers and men of the First Mounted Rifles and 55 of the Mounted Field .Ambulance. Lieutenant-Colonel R. H. Rhodes commands the Mounted R ifl ps. with Captain Blair as adjutant. Major Fen wick being in command of the Ambulance Corps. Following ifs the daily routine of the camp:—Reveille. 6 a.m.: coffee, 6.5; roll cnll 6 25: stables, 6.30 to 7.30; feed, 7.30: breakfast. 7.30 to 8; cleanup tents. 8 to 9; drill (dismounted). 9 to 10.30 (two squadrons); break (dismounted), 10.30 to 11; musketry, 11 to 12; drill (mounted), 9.30 to 12, (two squadrons); stables, 12 to 12.50 p.m.; feed 12.50; dinner, 1 p.m.; parade (with break of half-hour for dismounted men), 2.30 to 5; stables, .5 to 6 ;retreat, 5.45; tea, 6; guard mounting, 6.50; lecture, 7.30 to 8.15; watch setting, 10; lights out. 10.15. On Sundays this is slightly altered so as to allow of more leisure and attendance at church parade. , ,

Major-General Godley inspected the camp on Saturday afternoon, and expressed himself pleased with the work done in camp, the appearance of the men and horses and the tidiness of the tents. The ambulance men went through physical drill and ambulance drill in the General's presence, and were praised for their efficiency. The social side of camp life is catered for by the Church of England Men's Society, which has two marquees in the camp, one in charge of Mr \V. Cameron and the other in charge of Mr H. Money. Ono marquee is used as a social hall and the other for reading, writing and table games. Writing materials are supplied free, and postcards and stamps are sold. Two bagatelle tables, ana a piano lent by Messrs Milner and Thompson, are acceptable adjuncts to the marquees. The men in camp appreciate the accommodation thug provided for them, and make full use of it.

On Sunday a church parade was held in one of the C.E.M.S. marquees, the llev H. Williams, Chaplain-Major, conducting the Anglican service, while Captain-Chaplain Mitchell held a service f,or men of other denominations. The camp was open to the public in the afternoon, and a number of visitors were entertained at afternoon tea.

The camp will be broken up on April 27.