THE VOLUNTEER CAMP.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5334, 24 January 1906, Page 3

THE VOLUNTEER CAMP.

Lieut. -Colonel Robin, in command of the Otago Volunteer District, arrived in Lawrence last night, and will officially inspect the camp this morning, and in the forenoon put the men through a number of field movements.

On Sunday morning the company held a church parade, attending the Methodist Church, where the Rev. W. Dawson preached an eloquent and appropriate sermon.

Owing to the heavy continuous rain that fell during the whole of Sunday afternoon there were very few visitors at the camp, and the time was spent sitting in the tents. In the most of cases the men had taken the precaution to dig a trench round their tents, and this had the efFect of carrying oil" the water and leaving the ground within the tents comparatively dry. A good many of the men had Avisely provided themselves with stretchers, and these of course suffered no discomfort from the wet.

The Tuapeka Brass Band accompanied the company to church on Sunday morning, and also played a programme of suit able music at the camp in the afternoon. The catering of Messrs J. and J. Sutherland is giving the very highest satisfaction both with the officers and men. • The quality and variety of the food, they say, is of the best, and is thoroughly cooked and well served. Without exception it is much superior to any catering they have yet had in camp. The conduct of the men in camp has, on the whole, been very good. On Saturday night, when- general leave was given till 10.45, a few outstayed their leave. These were reported, and had to appear before the captain in the morning, when fines in various amounts were inflicted.

The military sports, with which the camp usually closes, take place this afternoon. A good programme has been provided, with prizes of a tempting character, and, given a fine afternoon and a dry ground, they should prove both interesting and exciting. An exhibition of physical drill, which has been a feature or this camp, will be given by a specially-selected squad. On Monday evening a very interesting and exciting race took place on the racecourse between the liorses owned by Troopers Thompson (Lawrence) ana M'Clelland (Millers Flat), the riders being Troopers Paulin (Lawrence) and Graham (Millers Flat). It proved a neck and neck go from start to finish, Trooper Thompson's horse ju&t winning in the end by a head.

Last nighfc a very enjoyable social was held in the large mess tent, all the local musical talent willingly lending their assistance towards the entertainment of the company.