TERRITORIALS IN CAMP

Waikato Independent, Volume XIX, Issue 1892, 17 April 1917, Page 5

TERRITORIALS IN CAMP

TRAINING THE YOUNG IDEA. CAMBRIDGE CANVAS-TOWN. Everything is now working fairly smoothly at the territorial camp at the Show grounds at Cambridge, and the mien have settled down to their annual training. Operations have been somewhat interfered with by the heavy rain, but the men are entering upon their duties with zest, and making light of any small inconveniences and discomforts to which they may be subjected. Nearly all are young men under 21 years of age, fit and healthy, and recognise, that they will receive benefit from the training. At the present time there are 459 of all ranks lx camp, from the 16th (Waikato) Regiment, and the training and, instruction is which would in the ordinary course have been given at the weekly parades, which were not held by most of the companies this year. The members of the Hamilton Company, about forty strongy will go }nto caipp on Thursday, and thereafter more advanced drill will be undertaken. The camp staff! is as follows:—Camp Commandant; Major ‘E. J. Rastriek, O.C. Regiment; second in command, Captain M. Gibson; camp adjutant and staff officer, Lieutenant J. D, Campbell; camp Quartermaster, Lieutenant F. Daniell; camp Sergeant-Major, Staff Sergeant-Major A. Robertson, N.Z.P.S.; camp Quartermaster-Sergeant, Staff Sergeant-Major' Forrester, N.Z.P.S.; orderly room Sergeant, Sergeant J. K. Currie; regimental Sergeant-Buglei", Sergeant-Bugler Hodgkinson. The camp routine is similar to that of other territorial camps. Reveille sounds at six a.m., a parade is held half-an-hour later, breakfast is at eight for the men and a-quarter of an hour later for officers. Thereafter parades arc held throughout the day, routine being altered, if necessary, to suit circumstances. For instance, when some rain came on yesterday afternoon most of the men were assembled in the Agricultural Society's grandstand for lectures. Tea is sferved at five o ’clock, ■ the retreat sounded at six o'clock, and during the rest of the evening most of the men, except those detailed for guard duty, are free to enjoy themselves as they think best. Lectures for officers and non-commissioned officers are held each evening. . ‘‘First post'' is at 9.30, “last post" at 10 p.m., and “lights out" at 10.15, and then the coming soldiers retire to rest until reveille next morning. Nj The arrangements made for the health of the men are satisfactory, adequate sanitary arrangements havingbeen ,made. Surgeon-Captain Stapley/ and Surgeon-Captain Bucknell are the medical officers in camp, and so farmost of the men appearing on sick parades have been suffering from minor ailmerits, such as colds. Attention has been paid to that most important division, the commissariat, camp kitchens of an approved pattern being installed. The food is good, plain, and plentiful, and has caused very few complaints. Of course, there are some growlers—such is only to be expected amongst a large number of men—but most of them are well satisfied with the manner ,in which they are treated. of a varied nature is provided, including football and boxing, ‘ while concerts are being arranged for the evenings. The familiar red triangle is seen in front of a large marquee erected by the Y.M.C.A., of which Mr W, M. Copeland, of Auckland, is in charge. Here a piano has been installed, plenty of writing material supplied, and opportunities given for reading, playing ping-pong, draughts, etc. The C.E.M.S. has a similar tent alongside. Leave from camp is granted at the discretion of the Officer Commanding. Fairly general leave was given on Sat-

urday and Sunday evenings, but no leave lyas granted last night. (i At a “dry” canteen in the camp —situated beneath the Show grandstand—the men. may obtain cigarettes, “soft” drinks, and light refreshments. On Sunday morning a church service was held in camp, conducted by Chap-lain-Captdin Porter. On Sunday afternoon the camp was open to visitors between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., and a large number attended. It is probable that on Sunday next a church parade will be held from the camp into town, where the men will attend the churches of their own denominations. On Wednesday, April 25th, the soldiers will take part in the Anzac celebration in Cambridge, and it is likely that next week a couple of route marches will be arranged. The Regimental Band is expected to return to camp on Thursday next. The mounted men, who will be under the command of Colonel Walker, will go into camp on Friday, and remain until the end of the following week. Prior to the camp breaking up a general inspection will be made by the district staff officers. Arrangements have been made for mails to be dispatched from the camp each day at 10.30 a.m. and 4- p.m., and for mails to be received at 11 a.m. and 4,30 p.m, A telephone is also installed on the ground.