ADVICE TO THE MOUNTED RIFLES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 956, 2 July 1908, Page 5

ADVICE TO THE MOUNTED RIFLES.

In this issue a picture is published showing the camp of the Second Regiment Auckland Mounted Rifles at Te Papa. When the camp was broken up, Major Allen Bell, in his parting address, said that the camp had been a most pleasant one for the regimental staff and squadron officers and this was largely due to the splendid manner in which all ranks had endeavoured to carry out their duties, rhe absence of drunkenness, bad language, and disorderly behaviour in camp was a source of the greatest satisfaction, and pride to him as offlcer commanding the regiment. Unfortunately, under the present conditions, it was impossible to make efficient soldiers of them; they must look upon themselves as being in the position of “stopping the gap” until the majority of the people of the Dominion and the Empire recognised their duties and responsibilities, and the day arrived when we had universal training, and every able-bodied man throughout the Empire would become an efficient defender of his country. Until that day arrived, he r S®d the men under his command to do their best to make themselves as efficient as possible under the circumstances, and whether in uniform or out to behave in such a manner as would command the esteem and respect of the public. His aim had been to raise the regiment to such a status that he would be proud to meet any member of it no matter what position in life he occupied, and to feel that that member was honoured and respected by his fellow men. He fully understood and appreciated the selfsacrifice that prompted them to rough it in camp during the winter months, while others remained comfortably at home. The regimental staff had done their best to alleviate these condi-

tions, and he glad to see, by the cheerful manner in which all ranks set about their duties, that their efforts were appreciated. He hoped that every man would act as a recruiting agent, and get others to join, and that the regiment would go into camp next year with a further increase in numbers.