THE "SPECIALS" CAMP AT ADDINGTON.

Press, Issue 14828, 20 November 1913, Page 7

THE "SPECIALS" CAMP AT ADDINGTON.

TRANSFORMATION OF THE SHOW GROUNDS. Matters connected with the camp of special constables on tho Addington Show Grounds began to assume a very businesslike appearance yesterday. All the vestiges of the recent Show had not quite disappeared, but the owners of the remaining marquees were busy taking them down. In the judging ring, and on the portion of the ground where

the implements and machinery aro exhibited, numerous bell tents, for the use of the special constables havo been erected, and all the arrangements necessary for the encampment of a large number of men have been made. The horses of tho mounted "specials" have been accommodated in tho loose-boxes, and provided with ample fodder and hedding. The committeo luncheonroom under the grandstand has been made the mess-room for the officers and the men, whilst the portion under the stand devoted at Show time to the public luncheon room has been set apart for a concert and recreation room. CAMP" ORGANISATION. There is a fairly large number of mounted mon at present in camp; and other contingents of mounted men are due from North Canterbury, from Kaikoura, and other districts. All the men on the Show Grounds have been sworn in as special constables hy Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M. As additional men arrive they will he sworn in.

Colonel R. A. Chaffey, V.D., has boeu appointed to the command of the camp, and Lieut.-Colonel Richardson, is in command of the dismounted special constables, Captain C. H. Hewlett is adjutant, Major Loach is infantry staff officer, and Mr Vernon intelligence officer. All these gentlemen are acting purely in their private, and not in their military, capacities.

After the men were sworn in they had issued to them a white badgo, with the words "Special Constable" printed on them, and these they put on their left arms. Batons were also served out in two sizes—the longer ones for tho mounted men and the shorter for tho men on foot.

There is accommodation in the looseboxes on the Show Grounds for about 800 horses, and the number of men that could bo camped on the Show Grounds is very large. THE COUNTRY CONTINGENT. A reporter who saw the men at lunch yesterday had a good opportunity to study them. Thero were none that seemed to fill tho description that tho strike orators are never tired of attempting to impress on their hearers. "The undisciplined rabble" that the public are asked to believe is tho hall-mark of the special constable is not on the Addington Show Gj-ounds at present. A finer lot of mon could not be wished for. Bronzed country workers fittingly describes the majority of them. In appearance they are sturdy, wellbuilt, and intelligent, and there is not the slightest doubt as to their enthusiasm. It was noticeable, as tho meal went on, that there was no roughness, either in conversation or behaviour, but there wero innumerable instances or that good comradeship that soon comes into existence when men asre gathered together for a common purpose. The class of men on the Show Grounds at present reminded the reporter of the men who gathered there some thirteen o- fourteen years ago to form the Third Contingent for South Africa. Though their skins are tanned, their complexions aro good, eyes bright, and general hearing manly and straightforward. Not the kind of men to get out of hand easily, especially with such an old and seasoned campaigner at their head. As to the numbers in camp, the officer commanding could only give the reporter general information, but the strength is being augmentod almost every hour. PROVISION FOR RECREATION. As previously stated, a portion of the accommodation under the grandstand has been set apart for recreation purposes. A piano is to bo provided, and the men will be encouraged to hold concerts. The camp officials desire it known that contributions of magazines, newspapers, or books will be gladly received; in fact, that anything that is likely to add to the comfort and cocn-

ventence of the special constables will in no wise be refused. Tho catering is in excellent hands, and a plentiful supply of good, wholesome, plain food is provide*.!. Still, if the Ir.-die**-. of Christchurch liko to follow the example of thoir sisters in Wellington, there will be no objection to the bill of faro being added to. ASHBURTON AND RANGIORA MEN Alt RIVE. Between five and six o'clock yesterday afternoon the Ashburton contingent— all mounted men—arrival in camp, and were duly sworn in. They are an excellent stamp of man, similar in all essential*? to those already described. After having taken the oath the men marched off to their quarters, and subsequently had dinner. Shortly after half-past six the contingent from the Rangiora district arrived, having ridden in. The men and their horses wero a fine-looking lot.

Our Rangiora correspondent writes: —In response to the requests of the Farmers' Union, there was v. muster of about fifty farmers yesterday to be enrolled as special constables to keep order during the strike at Lytteiton. Each man was well mounted, and all had their kits. The cavalcade agreed to the election of Mr D. W. L. Mohrtens as leader, and moved off in sections of fours. A good appearance was made on passing Kaiapoi at 1 p.m., and on the way through Belfast, the intention being to reach the Addington Show Grounds to bivouac for tho night. Many others who are joining the special constables poured from the north into town by motor cars during the evening, and in the event of any trouble when the force is on duty this means of transit is to be promntlv used to pour in reinforcements should they be required. With an hour's notice the motor car service, it is computed, could deliver 500 men into Port, and arrangements are said to bo proceeding accordingly. THE AMBERLEY .MEN. Yesterday was a great day in Amberley, tho occasion being the mustering and departure of Amberley's quota of special police. At 10 a.m. the •'specials'* wero called to attention, and, having been formed into line, a few words of advice woro addressed by Mr Gerald Stead. Having been photographed, Mr J. Robertson, who was elected captain, put the men through some drill, and at 11 o'clock tho 25 "specials" trooped off to the rousing cheers of tho residents, who gathered in strong force. Another detachment of i "specials" is expected to follow nextweek.