THE ORINGI CAMP.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1749, 14 May 1913, Page 4

THE ORINGI CAMP.

TACTICAL EXERCISES. WEATHER CONDITIONS IMPROVING. (By Tclesrapli.—Special Corrcapoiulcn*..) Oringi Camp, May 13. The weather conditions at Orinyi have at last improved. After a fine clear flight with not a cloud to be seen and practically 110 wind, this morning the wind again sprang up, but with none of its former vindicUveness. Tlia sky has bren overcast nearly all day, suushiao and slight showers breaking through alternately. The glass is on tlio rise, but unfortunately the weather is by no means settled. Tlio horse-lines on the whole aro drying and hardening rapidly, but in some places where the horso traffic has been heaviest, it will tako a little time beforo ; iho ground assumes its original firmness. ■ This morning regimental drill was carried out by the brigade, and a regimental tactical scheme is being worked out this afternoon. _ The fclicmo is an attack by skirmishing on mi) enemy represented by red flags. The men aro drawn up in line, the scheme exoluined to them, and then thev arc spread out in skirmishing order. On" tlio command, "Advance," a short rush is made, the troops dismount, the horses aro led to the rear, and tiring commences. After this position has been taken and miqle secure, tho men at tho command remount, another rush is made forward, and tho former. process repeated. But . not always is the attack successful; sometimes tho opposing forces aro too strong, and compel a hasty, if orderly, retreat oil the part of the troopers. Isothing daunted, however, they return to tile attack, and, spurred on by their officers, Willi' renewed vigour they drive the enemv from their position. Tho etlectivo short" rushes aro again continued, until at length after much fighting and serious loss on both sides the enemy aro driven into their main stronghold. Beloro tho winter sun has dropped behind tlio Western Uuahincs, the enemy s stronghold has been- assaulted, taken by sujrm, and captured, thus ending another useful dav's training at Oringi. . . Owin.™ 'to General Godley arriving earlier 'than was expected, the equestrian, and pedestrian sports, which were to l>e held to-morrow, have been postponed until tho following day, Thursday. 10-morrow, weather permitting, will be given over for tho wlvole. day to a regimental tactical scheme similar to this afternoons, but on a far larger scale. In a corncr of the held separate trom the main camp and to the left of the Staff Headquarters is encamped tho i\o. b Mounted I'ield Ambulance, officered by Major O'Brien, and consisting of all operating tent, a hospital marquee an orderlyroom, and about a dozen beU-ionts. ,lt fulfils an unobtrusive but most important part "ill the brigade in warfare, for ill diseaso a far more deadly and .ernble foe has to bo fought and conqueraUhan the actual tangible enemy m Iho iront. Tho ambulance lias charge of tlio whole of tho sanitary arrangements of the camp, an inspector being appointed each day to inspect cook-houses, incinerators, wtuse pits, latrines, amusement marquees, horso lines, and the camp generally. Where ncccssary* lio instructs tho olhcois on various sanitary points, • and the oincoi > as a wholo aro keen to accept any jittle hints that might bo of benefit to their snuadron. The men coiiipnshis tho ainbuianco aro given special instruction in comwounding medicines, nursing of ptuicnts, (hc.-'siiiff of wounds, and in the various duties that go to make an efficient hospital orderly. They have been taught, to keep their camp in sucn order that it will be taken, as a model for the mam camp, and thus preach by, example, t heir camp is certainly kept in an excellent state. Beforo each, tent door a mat has boon mado of broom bound together by wire, and this in the . wet weather tliac has just been experienced has been tlio diiief means of keeping the interior ol the tents clean and dry. It is an idea that could bo copied with advantage by tho squadrons. The camp is run on the came lines as tho British Army Medical Corps. A. hospital admission and discharge book f.s kept, in which aro entered all particulars relating to every patient, who is attended to, and by this means a complete record of tlio work done is always on hand for reference. A medical, history ledger is also used, and the patient's condition entered up every three hours. In fact, all . that can bo done to inal-o a thoroughly up-to-date and cflieieiu hospital has been done, and consequently • sickness at Oringi is kept well undci.