The Easter Encampment

Feilding Star, Volume VIII, Issue 118, 12 April 1887, Page 2

The Easter Encampment

[PBB EXITED PBKBB ASSOCIATION.] Nbw Plymouth, April K>. The sham fight took place at Wairakaihu on Saturday. A force oft 1358 men of various services advanced from the camp, half of whom, under Colonel Pitt, took up a position on rising- ground on the seaward side of the road, acting on the defensive, whilst the seoond party, forming the attack, advanced from the Huia Village under command of Colonel Stapp extending to the right with a view of out - flanking the defending forcß, which at this juncture crossed the road and, ascending the high ground, made a bold attempt towards ohecking the enemy. After a good struggle, the referees decided in a drawn battle. On Saturday night the town was crowded with Volunteers on leave. They carried on high jinks, took possession of the Salvation Army Barracks, turning out the lights and creating a general uproar during the service. A picket of Navals was detailed from the camp to preserve order. After some time the men were got out of the Army Barracks, but the services had to be discontinued. Up to late at night the town was crowded, and the streets taken possession of by the Volunteers. April 11. The Easter encampment was attended by 5000 spectators to-day. No sham £ght was held, but the volunteers were drilled from 6 a.m. till noon. At 1 p.m. a review was held by MajorGeneral Whitmore, whioh was very successful. The march past was admirably executed. The review concluded at four. Preparations for leaving the camp were then oommenced. The Wellington men left at 5 Hy a special train, also the Napier and Wanganui contingents. The Westport and Nelson volunteers left to* night, having marched from the camp to the breakwater, where steamers were waiting. The march at night through New Plymouth attracted a large crowd of spectators, who cheered the men lustily. The cavalry leave to-morrow. All the infantry left today, except She Wauganni Cadets. The encampment has beeu a great success, the only drawback being tUat tiie food waa badly cooked.