CHAPLAIN ON CAMP CONDUCT.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1451, 28 May 1912, Page 4

CHAPLAIN ON CAMP CONDUCT.

MOKALS, TEXTS, LIGHTS OUT. OFFICEIfS, ETC. !By Teicsrapb.-Spcc'al Correspondent.! Wannanui, May 21. Tho Rev. J. K, Luxfuril, oS Trinity Wes'cyan Church, who holds rank us chap, tain-major of the Seventh l{cgim«nt, nnd who spent a period of recent training in camp at Smithlield with the men, has some tilings to guy regarding the same winch, doubtless, will nnii pleasure with those who (support the defence scheme. _ Asked by a press representative regarding the cflcct of holding a camp only two nules uwny irom the town, Mr. Luxford stated that though proximity to towns was dangerous to the moral welfare of Jans, yet, m tins case, no abuses of cither the letter or tho spirit of tho Act had been observable, and ho did not think that a single ounce of liquor had been smuggled iu.

How did the men conduct themselvesP "Well," said Mr. Luxford, "although, a camp is not like a Hiblu class, I. cannot speak too highly of their conduct. It was exemplary. No parent need have fears about moral pollution if all Territorials behave as in this camp. Once a dirty parody was heard in oiks of the tents, but it was promptly stopped. With few exceptions, so far as I could heal , and observe, the young fellows' hahuvioiir was creditable to themselves and to the homos from whence they come. While on this subject of filthy talk, let mo say that the fly that spoils the pot of ointment generally buzzes at night after 'Last Pest.' Sergeants cannot be too strict in enforcing the order, 'No talk in tents.' A set of young men in a tent may bo talking, as; they think, to themselves, but their voices carry, and conversation, or monologue, or song, is heard in the tents around."

Mr. Luxford advocated the auHioritiee providing bifijier marquees (o onablo evenings do k> spoilt by all hands in "rational ninusemcnt." At Hie Smithficld mnvqucA Hie accommodation was inadequate, but still lectures nnd concerts helped lo pass the evenings pleasantly. Mr. Luxford, who saw service in South Africa, and is in a position to speak as to the worth of officers, has <i good word for tho latter for the way in which they did their work, but lie reserves the highest praise for the non-commissioned instructional staff. Concerning them he says: "They were smart and expert, and their commands were given in clear, good English. Socially they wore genial fellows, nnd their influence wns on the side of righteousness. I consider that drill instructors and sergeants in onntn have more direct influence with the lads than the commissioned officers. Icm afraid of appearing fulsome, lint, in nil sincerity, I state that instructors nud ser-gennts-majors in this camp were ihen of ability and sterling worth—just the class of man to put among lads susccptiMc lo environment." In conclusion, M. Laxford says that the men, who were of, a good stamp physically, educationally, nnd morally, did their work loyally, ana without the least sip.n of shirking.