THE "SPECIALS" CAMP AT ADDINGTON.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14831, 24 November 1913, Page 7

THE "SPECIALS" CAMP AT ADDINGTON.

BUSF TIMES

The scene ,at the Show Grounds camp on Saturday and yesterday was a very busy one. Squads of dismounted men were being drilled in different parts of the ground. In addition to men from Waikari and other country districts, large numbers from town joined. - Other contingents who have reported for duty have arrived from Ashburton, from Kaiapoi, from Litiio River, from Tai Tapu, from Kaituna, and from Rangiora.

It is understood that tho complement of mounted men has been obtained, and that tho officer commanding the camp has expressed satisfaction with thoir appearance and suitability. The men come from all parts of Canterbury, and have shown great adaptibility in settling down to the duties of camp life. Offers of relays of mounted men, if required, have been received from several districts and the indications aro that there will be no shortago of men if the number* at present in camp should prove insufficient. From all parts of the Peninsula, with the exception of Okain'e Bay, men have come into camp.

Much curiosity is being shown regarding the actual number of men in camp, but no official figures are available At the church parade yesterday afternoon, the grandstand was nearly filled with "special" constables*

Almost as much curiosity is being manifested as to wheu the "specials" will go to Lyttelton. In town on Saturday the rumour was pretty general that a move would be made this morning. On this point the camp authorities have uo information to give. It is thought that the rumour above referred to arose from the fact that on Saturday a number of railway carriages were drawn up at the Show Ground siding in readiness to convey the men to Port. His Majesty's mails from camp are conveyed to town by tram-car, and it is reported that on Friday a conductor or inotonnan, when the hag was tendered to him toW the "special" to "put tim b— — things down, there —it is good

enough for them." It is also alleged that the mail bags are handled oy tramway employees with tho implement, used to aiwr the points. Those matters aro receiving attention Irom tho authorities.

By the slow train which left Ash burton at 3.00 p.m. on Saturday another contingent of ''specials'' for Addington left Asiiburton. A good number assembled at the railway station to sco the men off. Thcso were mostly friends of the men. As tho train moved out cheers woro called for tho "specials" and were hoartily given by their friends, but there was a good deal of boo-hooing. Tho ''specials ,, wero principally from tho local auctioneering and business houses, and numbered 23 men and S horses.