MOUNTEDS IN CAMP

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 284, 17 March 1941, Page 3

MOUNTEDS IN CAMP

TRAINING AT WAIOURU

AUCKLAND-EAST COAST UNIT

(From; a Mounted)

'"Roll Out For The Stables" isn't

a quotation or even a translation from "Roll Out The Barrel." but to our boys it is a nightmare released for their special benefit by our Sergeant-Major. Why quit a comfortable bed at six nek em ma when the horses are still asleep and visions of Jack Fiost at his best in the middle of summer render such' a course uncomfortable ? Yes, we are waking up. Even the tale of our horse being our best friend is quite apt. But when schooling our nonriders the part which hurls most is I lie parting.

Various suggestions are put forth

as to the correct way to make a four-point landing with care, and one instructor has endeavoured to

illustrate. The horse is necessary but unofficial dismounting without counting out the time is strictly forbidden.

Sports Prominent

Sports are a great item in our week-end routine, and Avhen our heaves a sigh of relief and starts his detailed system of points. What can avc do without him? —he even makes sure that the lads are conscientious Avith their bed rolling. The best tent the other day celebrated, in the canteen (dry) but time beat them next morning and the empties disappeared down the gum boots. The Padre is now wondering to Avhom he should give the

empties or perhaps what type of ser vice to read over fifteen dead ma-

rines in gumboots

The Padre means all he says and I'm afraid our boys believe all the instructions say 100 ! Tiny dropped his rifle on parade last Aveek and a sarcastic reprimand to the effect that lie had better ''lay down .with it" created a stir as Tiny did as lie Avas told. Yes, I'm sure the Army lias resurrected a lot of hidden talent in Avit and humour among our forces and their efforts at making soldiers had its rcAvard Avhcn our boys demonstrated the correct method of using the rifle Avith accuracy. A feAV still persist in saying that the target moved. Fun in Snow. The effects of the locals down here to frighten us Avith talcs of snow three feet deep before the end of April meets Avith little success as Ave consider the chance to ski something to be looked fonvard to and as a means of tent line defence a snoAvball Avill lie handy. At present Ave look fonvard to the cool of the Home Town meeting places, Avhich, avc are told Avill be forthcoming in a very short time. Are the bands ready at home folks'? EA r en our Sergeant-Major may relent Avhen lie sees your smiling faces and consider there must be someone Avho cares for us. We wonder ourselves sometimes Avliat redeeming features Ave. have and only the Avelcome of the Old Home Town can restore our faith in our declining self-esteem.

Some of our boys arc off tliis week to collect the horses—and incidentally they are keen to collect bits —that is, lhat part of a briclUi which a horse can't chew. Our Army bits are great for Army horses but until they've been in the Army a few years they may object. How about it gentlemen ?