THE VOLUNTEERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1437, 25 April 1905, Page 2

THE VOLUNTEERS.

EASTER MANOEUVRES.

[(Per Press Association.) Dunedin, Saturday.

The volunteers had a very rough time of it on Friday night on the hills, when a bitterly cold gale was blowing, with frequent showers of hail and heavy rain. Saturday proved fine, and the defenders were busy making preparations, while the attackers advanced along a front of about fifteen miles. The muster is somewhat disappointing, but in view of the lateuess of the season, no doubt many parents were averse to exposing their sons to risks in camp on the bleak hills. Between Abbotsford and Saddle Hill the Blue force numbers 297 men and 118 horses, and the Red force 546 men and 122 horses. In addition the batteries at the Heads and Ocean Beaoh are mounted by artillery. Nelson, Saturday.

There are nearly 700 volunteers under canvas near Motupiko, including the Weßt Coast, Marlborough, and Nelson volunteers. They are divided into two corps. One attacks from the West Coast, while tbo others are the defenders. There had been a snowfall on the mountains, and there was a sharp frost this morning, but tbe day has been perfeot, and the volunteers have done hard work. Christchurch, Saturday.

The volunteers' Easter manoeuvres were continued on Saturday, attackers from the West Coast meeting defenders from Christchurch at Sheffield about 2 p.m., when a hot battle raged. About 500 volunteers are participating in Easter manoeuvres in the Wairarapa. The men had a wretched experience owing to tbe wet on Friday, and at one time it was almost decided to return to Wellington. However, as the weather brightened, it was decided to continue the manoeuvres, which were to be carried out to-day on the hills near Masterton.