"GREAT SPORT."

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16168, 23 March 1918, Page 6

"GREAT SPORT."

TERKITORIALS AT BURXHAM. (specially written for "the press.") Cheerfulness reigns at the Burnham Territorial Camp, in spite of the wet weather which has been experienced, and if tilings continue as they have commenced it should prove a decided success, both from a military and a social point of view. Many of the lads who .were to go into camp for the first time had been told bloodcurdling "yarns" by veterans of previous concentrations regarding the conditions likely to prevail, especially relating to rations. It had even been hinted that at a camp some two or three summers before one hungry warrior had annexed no fewer than six chops from a mess-tin, leaving an infinitesimal quantity for the occupants of the next tent in the mess. On tho march to the railway station at ~Christchurch, therefore, Private Smith was heard remarking to Private Barker that lie intended to have his "blinkin' chops'' marked with his name, rank, and company. The train journey was a very jolly affair. Tho unknown lay ahead, the present was novel and exhilarating. Every few minutes "Bill" was discovering that "Sam," who played in his team last year, or "Jack," who worked in the office over tho road from his, was "going in" with liini. Not long alter the arrival of the main body 011 Monday night, a meal, which proved to be luU 01 surprises, was served. Along came tho uninviting cans lull of a semi-liquid matter, tho nature of which could not be perceived in the dusk, so the campers filled their plates and squatted down outside their tents with dubious faces.

"Here, strike a match, Sam," snorted one of them, "I want to see wlmt this stuff is." He looked, grunted, and "sailed in" with a will. ,Savoury chops and onions! Then came ric«< and apples, which disappeared with surprising quickness. "Not half had," pronounced Private Smith at the conclusion of the moal, voicing the general opinion, and adding, "Tho only trouble is that I've got chops smacko:! all over my jaws!" After this kits were unpacked, blankets laid out, mouth-organs produced, and all wont merrily until "lights out." Then the usual chorus of jesting howls about "blinkin' bouldors" in the straw, and other magnified inequalities in bedding were hoard. A heavy rain fell during the night, above which rose' the hum of the voices of hilarious warriors unablo to compose themselves for slumber under the novel conditions. Tuesiluy morning dawned on a rainsoaked gtounu aim dripping tentd, and driil was suspenJjU. However, all were chuerrui wiieii hot coneo camo round at li.ij a.m., and somenere alter 7 o'clock, at tiiu conclusion 01 a solid breakvast, consisting of porridge, stew, bread, butter, ami jam, nappy, but somewhat surprised- repletion was apparent 011 luost cuuntciiaiKes.

••jL/ocsn't seem to be as. !jad as tiiey make it out to bo,"' remarked Private Smith. The nignt s meal was positively sumptuous, and alter a day of not unappreciated inaction tJic ranks retired to sleep, somownat wet, but with their woist tears assuaged. The Y.M.C.A., C.E.M.iS., and rsalvation Army, are represented in camp, and the laciliiies lor recreation and amusement provided by the.se institutions aro mueii appreciated. On this second night a vastly successful impromptu concert was held, at which the performers received applause which would have been envied by many a star of the city stage. In fact, the boys were being very well entered for all round, and they appreciated it. ''Ah," warned Private Smith, knowingly, "you wait till the drill starts!"

Ike drill darted on 'Wednesday. It proved no uisiiiusioniiient, but iucroiy served as a reaction from inaction, and by tno night tua utb/cs nan ueen efieelaally turned 011 tho pessimists. Tnurs day was a splendid day, frosh and keen, and an invigorating wind wao blowing. Consequently ueduing was aired, straw changed, and an excellent (lay's drill put in. Towards the cioso of tlie afternoon football mattlics were played, great enthusiasm being evoked t>y an Infantry v. E Battery struggle, which resulted in a victoiy for the ''footsloggers" by 5 points to ail. A highly-successful swimming carnival was Held in the evening, and yesterday the ranks were looking forward to a Y.M.C.A. concert, to be held in tho evening. Not only are tho provisions good, but the oificers are really scrupulously careful regarding the welfare of the i-j* have won well-desorved and i from them. "It's great J ll ? 5 ' °f the lads reply v.hen asKed their oninions rccrardiug tho camn. " =