THE ADDINGTON CAMP.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14843, 8 December 1913, Page 8

THE ADDINGTON CAMP.

YESTERDAY'S CHURCH PARADE. Matters at the Show Grounds camp •were very quiet on Saturday. A large squad of mounted men rode to Lyttolton via, the Dyer's Pass road, in order to give their korses some exercise, whilst the remaitder of the men were engaged in drilling and cleaning up the camp. They returned via Sumner where tho horses were given a swim, in the sea. During the past day or two tho whole of the camp, has been thoroughly cleaned up and disinfected. The statement that 900 cases have been dealt with in the camp hospital requires a little explanation to allay the natural fears of those who have friends, in the camp. The number of cases that can be described as at all serious is comparatively small, and the reason tho number given is- so large is that every minor complaint and every occasion that medicine is issued is included. . In all there have been eight medical cases which have had to be removed to the Christchurch Hospital. These consisted mainly of cases of pneumonia', colds and, chills. In addition there have been four surgical cases. The health of the'men in camp at present.is reported to be very good, and the prevalence of colds in the earlier days of. the camp wae due to the fact that numbers of those who joined came from their homes in light clothing, anticipating that the weather would be milder than it has proved. ' Tho-.firo. brigade in, connexion with the camp has been very thoroughly organised. It consists of twelve men, six of whom are always on duty. On Saturday, in order to test the efficiency of the brigade, an alarm was given about 11 p.m., With the result that all the members of the brigade were at their posts and had the hydrants connected and the "water playing in 61 seconds—a very-smart piece ■of work. Periodically a general alarm is given, involving all the men, in camp, and is responded to promptly and effectively. The dismounted special constables aro drilled daily, , * a course of physical exercises beint» gone through. The men show much keenness and are'rapidly assimilating the drill. The church parade yesterday after-j , noon was held in the mess room, the service being conducted By Chaplairi-Lieutenant-Colonel W. S. Bean. Practically all the men in camp, and a num- \ ber of visitors, attended, and the service was joined in with heartiness, the hymns being sung spiritedly.