(From our Westport correspondent.)

New Zealand Tablet, Volume 51, Issue 51, 22 April 1898, Page 28

(From our Westport correspondent.)

Owing to the inclemency of the weather the volunteer encampment was partially a failure. On Easter Monday the weather cleared up and was all that could be desired, and a p'Vasant day was spent on Mr. McPadden's farm where the encampment was held. The volunteers showed their appreciation of Mr. McPadden's kindness by giving him three cheers at the conclusion of the encampment. Unfortunately the pleasure of the day was marred by an accident to Mr. Hunter, chief mate of the " Tutanekai." His leg got entangled m the head line of the boat and was severed completely off just below the knee. The boat was putting off from the wharf at the time the accident occurred with the Nelson and Marlborough volunteers on board. Mr. Hunter's injuries were immediately attended to by Surgeon MajorJPeerless, and the vessel returned to the wharf, where the assistance of Dr. McDonnell was obtained and the sufferer removed to the hospital, where he is now progressing favourably under the care of Doctor Mackenzie. The volunteers on board the "Tutanekai" subscribed £42 for the benefit of Mr. Hunter, and a telegram of sympathy was received by Dr. Mackenzie from the Hon. Hall-Jones, Minister of Marines.

On Easter Sunday the Catholic volunteers marched to St. Canice's Church under the charge of Sergeant Michael McDonnell of .the Marlborough Mounted Rifles — one of the Jubilee Contingent— and attended Mass. Father Costello said he took the opportunity to wish all a happy Easter-time, and heartily congratulated the Volunteers on their soldierly appearance, and said he had no doubt they would give a good account of themselves if the Russians came with hostile intentions to the shores of New Zealand. He also congratulated them on not forgetting their religious duties in the excitement of camp life, and trusted others would take example by their conduct and never be ashamed of their i eligion. The church was beautifully decorated, and in the evening a procession of the Blessed Sacrament took place.