GRAND ASSAULT AT ARMS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LX, Issue 20474, 8 October 1915, Page 4

GRAND ASSAULT AT ARMS.

DISPLAY AT THE RACECOURSE.

AN INTERESTING PROGRAMME,

The assault-at-arms inaugurated by the Wanganui Patriotic Committee was held at the racecourse yesterday afternoon. The weather conditions were depressing in the extreme, and . greatly affected the attendance which, however, was good under the circumstances, about 2500 people being present. Light but steady rain fell throughout the afternoon and made the ground soft underfoot. The majority of the spectators occupied points of vantage on the grandstands, which were com., fortably filled. ■.*.,

The arrangements for the display liad been well carried out, and had the weather been Dronitious there would probably have been a very large. attendance. Captain McLagien, who was the central figure, proved that he had achieved wonders during the ,past couple of weeks in instructing the / territorials and cadets in bayonet drill and exercises. The ladies' committee also played a prominent part in carrying out the arrangements. >;, ,

The proceedings opened 'with a granct 'march up the straight, in which mounted rifles, ambulance ladies on horseback, territorials, cadets and field ambulance took part. The salute was taken by Lieut.-CoL Hughes, Major Morgan, and Ca.pt. Craig, the Garrison Band and Senior Cadet Band supplying the music. A sham light followed, the scene of hostilities being the straight which was attacked and defended with 'equal vigour until "Cease fire was sounded. A realistic touch was added by the work of the ambulance members, who, rescued a couple ot the wounded under a fire sufficiently hot to justify the V.C. or D.S.u.

The massed bayonet display was a capital iteriii, and tlie high pitch of efficiency reached■ , reflected great credit on the men's' mentor. ■

Other Items followed in quick order. Skill was displayed by the performers lv riding at gibbets, an£ some good ■ horsemanship was displayed. The chase for a bride,'in which half a dozen of both sexes took part, appealed greatly to the spectators. Five of the *'brides" succumbed quickly to the lure of matrimony, but the sixth gave,her amorous pursuer a long run, and extended his enthusiasm to the utmost. Her capture was the signal for great applause, the hand-claps being a recognition of the splendid riding ability she showed. Tiig-bf-war, on horseback, produced spirited competition, the ladies' team defeating the representatives of the sterner sex.

The star item of the day was Cape. Mc^Lagien's, effort to sever the cases of eight sheep hung In a row froni poles. He rodo at mil gallop up the tract and with clean sword cuts completely severed six carcases, while the remaining two hung oy a tendon only. It was by no means an edifying sight, but It was nevertheless a wonderful display of swords, manshlp. Captain McLaglen's next exploit was to pose as a Hercules, and defy the efforts of two. draught horses to drag his arms asunder. At the conclusion of the display, a horse, presented by Mr. T. Duncan", was auctioned by Mr. Keesing. There was spirited Mddinff, and a sum of £40.0 was realised when, the final sale was effected.

The assault-at-arms will be repeated on Saturday, for -the benefit of those who were unable to be present. . Great credit is due to the officials connected with the display, who one and all worked whole-heartedly to make the affair a success.