A.—6b.

Featherston, 4th, July, 1901. ****** " The cost was more than Gd. a head eaoh time, but I do not grudge that as the boys had a real good time, and their experience hag done them a world of good. They enjoyed the outing thoroughly. I have no complaint to make re oatering, &0., in Christchurch. The arrangements-were not altogether perfect, but they were as good as could be expected under the circumstances. I am,&c, T. Porritt, Captain,

Commanding Featherston School Cadets. Sib,— Clyde Quay School, Wellington, 11th July, 1901. Being a close follower of parliamentary news, I notice that some members of the House have stated that the cadets were not well treated at the Normal School, at Christchuroh, on the occasion of the review. As one of the cadet officers I should like to be permitted to state my own experiences briefly : My oompany, Clyde Quay cadets, had good quarters and more than enough of good food. Wβ oertainly roughed it, but that we looked forward to and were quite prepared for. As a matter of facb, every lad of my company enjoyed the outing, and I brought the whole of them home in good health. With reference to the other companies, I can say that they were as well off as mine, because I was oaptain of the day on one ocoasion and had good opportunities of observation. On making my rounds of inspection to the various rooms I invariably asked if there were any oomplaints, but the reply was always that they were " all right." A few of the lads were ill, chiefly owing to their having eaten too freely of various things. I had this latter statement from the medical officer, who informed me that " out of fourteen boys he examined a dozen or so were suffering from slight colds and the effects of overeating." Boys will be boys, and the youngsters went up town and ate lollies, fruit, &c, as long as their pocket-money lasted. I may say in conclusion that I consider the camp a success from a military point of view, as I, personally, as well as many other teachers, agree that we learned more in the week down South than ever we learned before. Apologising for thus troubling you during your busy season, I have &c, D. M. Polson, Captain, Right Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Commanding Clyde Quay Cadets.

Dear Sir,— District High School, Hawera, 16lh July, 1901. I have much pleasure in acknowledging receipt of sixty-two copies of Brigade Orders sent by you. The cadets and officers are gratified that their first efforts in Obristchurch give satisfaction. It will be our endeavour to make ourselves efficient in squad and in company driil, so that in future demonstrations we will be able to oarry out the instructions of battalion and brigade commanders. I remain, &c. C. A. Strack, Captain Commanding Brigade of Cadets. Captain Hawer* School Cadets.

Memorandum. The Hon. Defence Minister, Wellington. Headquarters, Wellington, 15th July, 1901. With referenoe to the transhipment of cadets from Nelson and the West Coast (South Island) at Wellington when en route to Christchuroh for the Rojal review : Oα Sunday afternoon, 16tfh June, I saw the " Oorinna" coming into port, and went down to the wharf to see that everything was done properly, and that the cadets were properly cared for. The vessel came alongside during very heavy rain, and when I arrived at the wharf a few minutes afterwards the rain had almost ceased. The Nelson Volunteers and cadets at once took some of the cadet officers on board the " Tarawera," by which steamer they were to sail the same afternoon, and pointed out the quarters. This necessarily took a few minutes, but no time was lost in getting the biys on board and under oover, as there were indications of more heavy rain. The boys marched on in a continuous stream as fast as they could be stowed away. During part of the time the embarkation was proceeding there was a little rain, but nothing serious, and when all the boys were on board I went round and felt a great many of their overcoats to ascertain if any were wet. A few were damp, but I was satisfied that there was nothing the matter, as their clothes underneath were quite dry. I toid their officers they might use their discretion as to taking the boys ashore again, and the shipV stewards made arrangements for a meal without loss of time. No complaint wait made to me about the boys baing wet, but some of the officers complained about being overcrowded on the " Tarawera." This arose from the faot that the numbers coming from Greymouth and Westpprt and Nelson were sixty in excess of the estimated numbers sent in, and there being no possibility of providing more accommodation, as there was no ship available. R. H. Owen, Major, Staff Officer, New Zealand Forces.

Deab Sir,— Northeast Valley Public School, 19th July, 1901. I notice in the papers that in some quarters there is an inclination to criticize adversely the treatment of the cadets while in Christchurch, and I consider it but right that, as major commanding the Otago Battalion, I should let you know that the officers and cade:s were well pleased with the arrangements, passing over some little defeots that were remedied alter your arrival. lam quite confident that au even larger muster would be the response should a call be again made. I trust the present opportunity of placing the cadet movement on a permanent footing will not be passed over, and that satisfactory arrangemeuts may be made without delay to carry it through. Congratulating you on the success of your undertaking, I remain, &0., D. Murray, Major, Captain L. W. Loveday. Dunedin Cadet Battalion.

High School Invercargill, 20th July, 1901. ******* I should like to state, as against some statements published, that our'jboys had a splendid time in Christchurch--that the food was good and plentiful, and, considering the quantity, well cooked. John E. Vernon, Captain, Captain L. W. Loveday. Commanding High School Cadets. Approximate Coat of Paper.— Preparation, 155.; printing (1,475 copies), £1 19. 6d.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9ol. Price 6d.]

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