EIGHTH CONTINGENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 312, 13 January 1902, Page 2

EIGHTH CONTINGENT.

By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, last night. It is understood that one hundred horses at present in camp at Addington camp have been obtained in the South Island, and only twenty or thirty from the North Island. The general impression appears to be that Captain Jackson has been placed in a very false position, as a camp order issued on the Bth distinctly states the men appointed to command the South Island battalion of the Eighth Contingent. It is said to be probable that after Major Chaytor takes over command, Captain Jackson will resign from the Contingent.

A correspondent telegraphs from Wellington : —Tho Defence Department is r endeavouring to send away the North e Island Battalion of the Eighth Contingent 11 on the 23rd inst., the date on which the B anniversary of Wellington is to be celebrated, but it is doubtful whether this can be done, as none of the men have yet been supplied with uniforms, There is some complaint in camp concerning the small amount of pay which the men are to 1 receive up to the time of embarkation, Is 2d per day, and a mess allowance of 3d per day. It appears that some of the men ‘ went into camp almost penniless, and others had to get orders from the camp . officers to enable them to get a decent pair ; of boots. These say that they will never r be able to redeem their orders on Is 2d per day; also that they are debarred from taking a run into the city, as the railway fare from Trentham is 3s 43. The officers are strict concerning the personal appearance of their men, and each visit to the barber costs 6d. Then there is a demand for tobacco, so that by the time the trooper has paid his way he has not much left from his Is 2d.