"TAKING COVER"

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2339, 22 December 1914, Page 6

"TAKING COVER"

THE MAORI SOLDIERS EXPERTS. TRAINING THE FORCE FOR EGYPT. Colonel Gibbon, of the Defence Headquarters Staff, who visited'Avondale last week to inspcct tho Maoris who aro training there prior to their departure for Egypt, says the contingent is making great progress. The men are very quick and vory anxious to learn, and are, of course, a fine stamp of soldier. They havo finished their individual training, and aro now entering upon their course of collective training. On the occasion of the visit of inspection, Captain Peacock, who is in charge of tno camp, met the visitors; and conducted them to ■ where the B Company was being put through attack practice. A gratifying feature of tho work was the manner in which the men took advantage of the slightest cover. After tho movement had proceeded for about an hour, Lieutenant-Colonel Gibbon called the officers together and gave some very helpful advice for future guidance. The party proceeded to the camp and made a complote inspection of all departments. The sanitary arrangements, the cook-house, the tents, ctc., were inspected. It was announced during the afternoon that Captain Peacock, who has done remarkable work at the camp, is to have command of the contingent, with the rank of Major. Captain W. 0. Innis, of tho South Island Railway Battalion, has just arrived and has taken up the position of adjutant to the force. The Rev. Mr. Wepiha is to bo chaplain.

In Auckland the Minister of Defence (the Hon. James Allen), the Hon. Dr. Pomare (Native Minister), Colonel Gibbon, and Colonel Ifume held a conference regarding the contingent's Christmas. It was decided that tho men should remain in camp. The relatives of the men will be allowed, to visit the camp. Arrangements are in progress so that the Maoris shall have a pleasant Christmaß. The Patriotic.. League is forwarding a quantity of plum pudding and fruit cako to each member of the force. Tho Maoris appear to be having an excellent time in the camp. The great majority of them are plentifully supplied with money, and lack nothing. They spend much time in boxing. All are musically inclined,- and a very large number play the piano. Some pjuy three and even four instruments, and one, who composes, intends to sit for the second portion of his degree as Bachelor of Music.