MOUNTED TACTICS AT ORINGI.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1746, 10 May 1913, Page 2

MOUNTED TACTICS AT ORINGI.

SOME FIRST STEPS. HOW TO ATTACK A CONVOYi TWO PLEASANT TELEGRAMS. (By TeloffrapU.—Special Oorresi>ond/inl.) Oringi Camp, May 9. To-day, for the first thne, 6quadron tactical schemes wero carried out, reconnaissancc, and transmission of information playing an important part. Tho weather did not allow much work to bo done, intermittent showers of rain and haii being the 'order of tho day. This combined with a blood-chilling southerly (lid not tend to mako tho day's training as interesting and enjoyable as it might havo been. Nevertheless the troopers entered into the schomes with zest, and must certainly havo gained considerable experience, and a knowledge of what is required of them in warfare. The horses bore tlio fatigue of tho day's work well, and, considering that they wero working over an area o£ ten miles of rough, country, this is a matter of congratulation for their owners. Tlio three regiments wero divided into 12 squadrons, each squadron being pitted one against another. Dannovirko represented tho seat of tho main army. Six squadrons, oach acting as a convoy to a treasure wagon which contained tho Dannevirko men's wages, had sot off in different directions rrom tho 'paymaster's office in Wellington, and had arrived at tho foot of tlio Kuahines when they found their way blocked by tho enemy, represented by tho remaining 6ix squadrons'. Tho brigade headquarters prepared the scheme, and handed jt over to tho regimental officers to bo worked out by them. Well armed with blood-thirsty spurs tho writer set out to view tho operations. When within striking distance the squadron, in whoso company the writer was riding, was stopped, and tho schemo explained by tho officer commanding it. Scouts were then scut ahead, the remainder following <it a fair distance behind. A mile from tho camp cross roads wero encountered, and hero the fun commenced. ■ A scout went forward each way to reconnoitro, and, witliih ten minutes, one returned with tho information that a troop was advancing from the loft. Another scout coming up reported that a troop, suspected of guarding tho treasure wagon, was away in the front. This placed the officer in a quandary. Tlio road which ho uow held jvas the only entrance to tho camp. If lie pushed on to tho suspected locale of the concealed treasure wagon, and it proved to be a hoax the entrance to tho camp would be opened mid the troop on tho left would get through, if, on tho other hand, ho pursued the troop on the left, it was even money that it was merely a ruse to get him out of the way while tho treasure wagon mado a dash for tho town. His men wero too few to divide. Tho troop on the left looked temptingly near, and lie felt, as soon as the troop, what was "on." Preparations wero immediately inado for. action. The horses wero withdrawn to the rear and the men went forward in skirmishing order. All the troopers had been served with blank cartridges,but still one could not help feeling a strange' unholy joy rising in the breast at tlio prospect of seeing a 1 mimic battle, but it was not to be. The officer commanding tlio transport had a deeper game to play. Ho save tho enemy time to perccivo what ho was doing, and then remounted his men and retreated as though in fear. The ruse worked. Tho enomy followed, the cross road was clear, the wagon got through, and thero was much rejoicing in Dannevirko that night. Tho weather interfered much with tho work, tlio 2nd Regiment being compelled to return to camp soon after dinner. The Gth arid 9th Regiments, who were working in a different jiart of the country, had better luck, and remained out tho whole day. To-morrow the squadron tactical schemes will bo continued, protection- on tho march when at rest and fire control being specialised. Tho Hendquarters staff has mado a point of seeing that tho officers and men are instructed and thoroughly understand tho various schemes. By this means all must profit considerably by the fortnight's training. While the reciprocal relations of Australia and New Zealand aro now so much discussed, it is interesting to note that our'defonce officers aro by no means backward in their ditties in this respect. Much good has boon achieved by the exchange of officers between the Commonwealth and tho Dominion. Both countries havo profited greatly by tlio experience, and the new ideas which tho "loan officers" havo brought in. How this national spirit exists in the officers at present stationed at Oringi tlio following cablegrams will show:— Colonel Carrington, Second Light Horso- Brigade, Scone, New South Wales: Wellington Mounted Riflo Brigade in camp at Oringi send their greotings and wisli the Second Light Horse Brigade every success.— COLONEL RUSSKLL, O.C. Answer: Colonel Russell, O.C. Oringi Camp: Thanks nnd hearty.reciprocations.—CAßßlNGTON. Both cablegrams were sent and received here yesterday. Such friendly greetings draw tighter tho bonds that bind tho Empire. Colonel Logan, 0.C., Auckland district, and Major Temperley, General Staff Officer, of the same district, are at present in camp. Colonel C.iaytor, 0.C., Wellington district, is expected in tomorrow.