Our Illustrations.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVII, Issue 20, 15 May 1912, Page 16

Our Illustrations.

MOUNTED RIFLES CAMP. AN UNQUALIFIED SUCX EtSi THE camp of the 3rd (Auckland) Mounted Rifles, which came to a conclusion last week, has been probably the most successful that has been held in the Auckland Province. It has been not only highly profitable from a training point of view, but the men have thoroughly enjoyed their nine days under canvas. From the officers right through the ranks the esprit de corps has been most commendable. The conduct of the men has been admirable. Whatever may have been said about other camps there could not be the slightest ground for adverse comment on the Avondale gathering. Strictly teetotal—even to the officers’ dinner to its guests on the last night — the men were open to no temptation from a fruitful source of criticism, but the troopers right through were of an exceptionally fine class, and not likely to give way to excess of any kind, even in the somewhat unusual surroundings of a first regimental camp, and so long as New Zealand can rely on a sufficient number of men of the stamp of the 3rd Regiment, there need not be much fear for the future—either from a defensive or a civic point of view. Most of the troopers came from country districts, and were of excellent physique. Colonel W. R. Bloomfield added to his already wide popularity in the regiment by the judicious manner in which he controlled the camp, and it was largely owing to his personality, and the splendid support of his officers, that the camp was such a signal success. Major Wynyard, Captain Ixuutsford, Lieut. Woods, and all the Squadron officers worked very hard, and gave the Colonel every assistance in the arduous work of looking after the 500 men in camp. Special credit is due to the Adjutant (Captain Knutsford), whose capacity for hard work is apparently unlimited. He won the admiration of the whole camp for the splendid way lu which everything worked. Everybody looks to the Adjutant to adjust all and sundry difficulties that arise, in addition to his ordinary work of running a fair-sized township with all its difficulties, but none of its conveniences for management. Captain Knutsford lias special qualifications for organisation and dealing with men, which make him an Invaluable officer for the position he fills with so much credit. Camp sports were held, a large number of the troopers’ friends being present, and the long programme went off remarkably well, the results being as follows: — Wrestling, pick-a-back: Sergeant Brenner’s team. Mounted Relay Race: Corporal Barriball’s team. Tug-of-War (foot): “C” Squadron, Sergeant Crawford’s team. Tug-of-War (horseback): “B” Squadron, Sergeant Paton’s team. Victoria Cross Competition: Trooper O. Wyllie, of “B” Squadron. Ladies' Bracelet Whistling Competition: Trooper Rogers and Miss Tliorbum, Mount Roskill. Lloyd-Lindsay Race: Sergeant Paton’s team. Sack Race, 100yds: Private Adolf, 15th Regiment of Infantry. Leading Race for Files: Corporal Barriball, “G” Squadron. Wrestling on Horseback: “B" Squadron. Bandsmen’s Race: Bandsman Thornton. Staff-Sergeant-Majors’ Race: Sergeant-Major Hobbs. Officers’ Race: Won by Captain Herrold. The officers of the Regiment entertained a number of guests to dinner on the last night, among those present being Colonel Wolfe, Officer Commanding the District, Mr. John Bollard, M.P., and chairman of the Avondale Jockey Club, Colonel Holgate, Major Major, Lt.-Col. Parkes, P.M.0.. and officers from most of the corps in the district. Colonel Bloomfield presided, and Major Wynyard was vice-president of the mess. The Regimental band, under Hon. Lieutenant Whallev Stewart, played a most enjoyable selection of music during dinner. There was a pleasing evidence of the esteem in which the regiment holds Colonel Holgate, commanding the Auckland Brigade, and formerly in command of the regiment, when Colonel Wolfe, senior officer present, handed to the Brigadier a large framed shield containing the photographs of the officers of the regiment. Colonel Wolfe mentioned that the Brigadier had been fourteen years in the service, during eight of which he commanded the regiment. The

speaker had ever found the recipient most loyal to him, and ever ready to take an interest in whatever was going on in cither manoeuvres or the training of the mounted rifles. He had always been a most efficient and zealous officer. Colonel Wolfe was sure the presentation would be highly prized as a lasting memento of a long connection with the mounted forces. The evening was brought to a conclusion by a concert held in front of the grandstand, which was apparently attended by Avondale residents cn masse. An enjoyable programme was gone through. Messrs. Abrahams and Rayner assisted, but most of the items were given by members of the regiment, which is strong in musical talent. A much applauded “turn" was a iiaka by some troopers, who have been trained in camp by a comrade who is proficient in the Maori art. During the evening Colonel Wolfe presented Quartermaster-Sergeant Greenbead with a long service medal. The sergeant was one of the old Waiuku Mounted Rifles, now C Squadron of the regiment. YOUNG MAN HONOURED. B i Arthur Ritchie, the Noble Grand of the Fountain of Friemlsutp Lodge, which lias a membership of 640. and Is the largest and wealthiest Lodge of the Manchester Unity in the North Island, is only 22 years of age. and is the youngest member on record to attain to that position. Recently Lord Islington, who is an Oddfellow, visited the Lodge, and. in the course of an address, remarked that -the business of the lodgeroom was undoubtedly beneficial la raising the members morally, mentally, and intellectually, and he was glad to see in that Lodge that members young in years were raised to high office. Ills Excellency then paid a graceful tribute to the youthful Noble Grand, amid applause. In a sense, too, lie continued, they were educatitfE a school of young men to take their par| la the public operations of life. The larger the army of such young men a country possessed, the better It was for the country. .(Applause.) The l odge was established La 1844, with seven members.