TERRITORIALS.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXX, Issue 4731, 16 June 1911, Page 2

TERRITORIALS.

Yesterday morning the weather broke clear and frosty at the military camp, followed by a lovely day, which was greatly appreciated after the somewhat unpleasant weather of the previous day. The regiment paraded as usual at 9 a.m., and was exercised by troops and squadrons by the respective leaders. The work done during the morning consisted of rifle exercises, musketry, squad and squadron drill, and again a marked improvement was shown on the previous day’s work. Atfer lunch tnc regiment was formed up in mass and prior to moving off was photographed by the regimental photographer, Trooper Cartwright. The regiment was then exercised in departmental drill by the Officer-Commanding. Colonel Hell, and was afterwards formed up in mass to receive the inspecting officer, Colonel Wolfe. After receiving him with the “general salute” the regiment was “marched past” in column of troops by Colonel Bell, and then formed up in line and inspected, after which Colonel Wolfe returned to the saluting point, and the regiment ranked past in “column of fours,” again formed in line, and advanced in review order. This completed, the respective commanders assumed command of their squadron and exercised them individually, the operations being closely watched and criticised by the inspecting officer. A number of visitors, including members of the citizens’ committee, were present, including Mr Greenplade, M.P., and Mrs Greenslade.

The visitors were afterwards entertained at afternoon tea. In the evening the regiment had again the privilege of entertaining a large number of visitors, and a most enjoyable evening was spent in the regimental institute, which was as usual packed. Mr and Mrs Greenslade again visited the camp with their gramaphone, and delighted a large audience for an hour with selections. The Hamilton Band also visited the camp and played suitable selections which were much appreciated. In the corner of the institute, which houses the regimental piano, another crowd was gathered, where songs and choruses were the order of the evening. Altogether the evening was a moat enjoyable one, and will long be remembered by the troops, who after their hard day’s work appre ciate to the full the splendid work being done for them by the ladies of the citizens’ committee. When the. “post” sounded the visitors adjourned to the “officer’s mess,” "where they were entertained to supper. Before their departure Colonel Hell, on behalf of his regiment, thanked the band ami visitors for the kindly interest that had prompted them to visit the camp. He was especially grateful to Mr and Mrs Greenslade for their kind thoughtfulness and trusted that when their next camp ‘came round they would again have the privilege of entertaining them. Mr Greenslade said that it gave himself and Mrs Greenslade very great pleasure to be in camp. Hu was delighted with the camp arrangements. and when the Defence question was being discussed during the next session of Parliament he would be glad to tell the House of what he had seen in the Waikato camp. After the afternoon drill a tug-of-war was held between teams from the C and D Squadrons, the former being victorious. Colonel V-olfe, in speaking to our representative, said he thought it contrasted very favourably with any of the camps held under the old regime, and the men appeared to be taking great interest in their work

they were now getting a glimmer of the real thing. Their discipline was much improved, and he was astonished at the progress they had made. Next year, after they had had a little more training in discipline and drill and reconnaisance —one of the most important duties they will he a very useful lot. The camp is a most sucessful one from the point of view of cleanliness and the smart appearance of the men, who were, on the whole u fine, healthy-looking lot of young fellows. We learn that Mr D. Norden, of the Commercial Hotel. Hamilton, has. with his usual generosity, given a silver cup for competition by the N.C.Os. of the 4th Regiment. This trophy will be for competition on conditions precisely similar to those governing competition for the olfij cers’ cup previously presented by the same donor. Needless to say, the action of the gentleman mentioned is greatly appreciated, and while it affords good evidence iff the public spirit by which he is actuated, does much to encourage all ranks and inspire a spirit of emulation, which is a most necessary factor in developing interest and making for the efficiency of our citizen army. In the names of the members of the citizens’ committees published on Wednesday the following were inadvertently omitted; Meadames Campbell, McDonald, Sanderson, Cliff, Atkin, and Currie. Today. Colonel Wolfe, accompanied by Colonel Holgate, will again visit the camp, and wiH watch the troops at their manoeuvres.