THE CAMPS FOR ARTILLERY.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1380, 5 March 1912, Page 3

THE CAMPS FOR ARTILLERY.

FORT DORSET. Although the weather is still against military work, No. 3 Company have managed to get things in connection with their camp at Fort Dorset fairly dry and comfortable. A piano arrived yesterday, and with the help of an amateur musician the men indulged in a "sing-song" until called for work. Early in the morning Lient.-Colonel G. N. Johnston, accompanied by Major D. R. Menzies, paid a visit of inspection to the camp, and seemed satisQed' with the progress made. During the course of the day the company was instructed in signal and semaphore work, in electrical engineering, gun manning, and ammunition storage. After lunch a detachment put up the two marquees—one for the officers' mess and one for the men's use—which had been blown down on Saturday night. Another detachment proceeded to tlio ammunition stores and Had various classes and uses of shells explained, to them. The rain prevented any drill from being carried out. Fort Kelburne. No. 5 Company have so far not had an opportunity for serious work, and the time has been spent in teaching the recruits camp discipline, and the score and one minor duties which it is the soldier's business to know. Fort Ballance. According to a report received from llahanga Bay last evening, everything is going on prosperously in the camp of No. i) Company, which is undergoing training at Fort Ballance. The unpleasant weather which has reigned has not in any way lowered the spirits of tho men, all of whom arc well, and in good heart. The work of the day starts at 6 o'clock, when "reveille" is sounded. From G. 30 to 7.30 is spent in marching exercise, and at 8 o'clock the men go to breakfast. At 9 o'clock squads are formed and marched off for instruction to the .six-inch gun and six-pounder, and others to receive instruction in handling ammunition and stores, in riflo exercises, judging distances, and various other- departments of training duty. A halt is called at 12 o'clock, and half an hour later the men go to dinner. Duty comm'onces at 2 p.m., and continues until 5. The evening is devoted to rest.and recreation. There are 105 noncommissioned officers and men in camp, and three officers. Only six members of the company ore absent.