UNDER CANVAS

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXVII, Issue 3275, 6 March 1937, Page 4

UNDER CANVAS

CAMP AT ROTORUA CAMBRIDGE MEN UNDER TRAINING The First Battalion, the Waikato Regiment has just concluded its annual camp at Arawa Park, Rotorua. In conjunction with the Waikalos, the Auckland and Hauraki Regiments have been under canvas, thus bringing the total number of men to nearly 700. The Waikato Regiment, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel R. V. Closey and Major A. E. Gibbons as second in command, formed part of the Ist Infantry Brigade under the command of Colonel Sir Stephen Allen. The Cambridge Unit was present as part of the Headquarters Wing, and was commanded by Lieut. R. J. H. Seal. Before the arrival of each unit, officers and N.C.O.'s underwent a refresher course for two days.

Despite the bad weather, valuable training was carried out. Tactical exercises, including aeroplane attacks over the area from the TaupoAtiamuri Road, proved of great interest and value to all ranks. Demonstrations of night firing with tracer bullets and Verey lights were given. In .battle- practice Waikato beat the Hauraki and Auckland Regiments, this being due mainly to the able command of Lieut.-Colonel R. V.. Closey. , .•'■ During the unit training the Battallion cups were competed for, resulting as follows: The Sports Cup, won by D. Co., Capt. E. M. Mackersey. The Efficiency Cup, won by B Co., Major C. F. Thomas. Visitors to the camp included the General Officer Commanding the New Zealand Military Forces, General Sir William Sinclair-Burgess, C. 8., K.C.M.G., D. 5.0., accompanied by the Officer Commanding the Northern Command, Colonel J. E. Duigan. Lieut. A. E. Savage, bandmaster of the Waikato Regimental and the Hamilton Municipal Bands, supervised the bands participating in the camp.