CAMP NOTES

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2656, 30 December 1915, Page 6

CAMP NOTES

THE CHRISTMAS MAILS. In spite of the rain which began to fall on Tuesday afternoon and continued during the night, the bivouac and night attack by the Ninth Infantry Reinforcements were successfully carried through near AVallaceville township, the area covered during the skirmishing lying between that point and Maori Bank, on the road between May Morn and Upper Hutt. The troops, which left Trentham on Tuesday morning, wore under Lieutenant-Colonel C. It. Macdonald. After marching to Upijer Hutt, field manoeuvres wero held during the afternoon, and in the evening the troops divided into two bodies, that which was to be' the attacking party moving away among the hills, while the defenders went into bivouac. The mimic battle raged fiercely from a little before dawn until nearly sunrise. Afterwards the troops marched to Upper Hutt, where they breakfasted, returning to Trentham about noon. Nearly 2000 troops took part in these manoeuvres. What the Post Brings. Both the inward and outward mails, especially in the parcels department, have been heavy during the Christmas season. Letters, newspapers, and small packets are collected at tuo post office by orderly sergeants or corporals for each platoon. They also deliver the cards announcing; the arrival of parcels, and the distribution of mail to the men takes place at the hutments when the platoons are dismissed. The n.c.o. stands at the top of the steps, and announces the names of those to whom letters, etc., are addressed, while 60 or 70 men gather round him expectantly. Those for whom there are parcels hurry away to the post office to take_ delivery; and the clerks are glad to give delivery, for the office has lately been stacked _ with parcels, which liavo been arriving", in great numbers. As soon as they receive them, the soldiers open the parcels, eager to learn what the contents are, and too imprftient to wait till they reach their-nut-ments. ' SOLDIERS- ROOM The Christmas attractions arranged by Mrs. Firth and party at Sydney Street for the soldiers has been a conspicuous success.. The lunch arranged by the committee has proved a great convenience to the men. More attractions are in store for them for the', New Year's leave. On Friday there will be a light lunch, and the usual tea and ; supper in the evening. Plenty of music, etc., will be provided, and games and billiards for those who wish it. On New Year's Day there will be a light lunch, and also on Sunday, in addition to the tea and supper. The president, Mrs. Massey, and the committee, who have spared no effort to make the room attractive, again extend a vcTy cordial invitation to all soldiers in camp, and to all returned soldiers, to join the New Year's party at the Soldiers' Room, Sydney Street.