SCHOOL CADETS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2367, 7 December 1908, Page 6

SCHOOL CADETS.

FIELD DAY AT ORMOND

The Poverty Bay School Cadet Battalion had a most useful and enjoyablo outing at -Ormond on Saturday, when n field day took place. Five companies, numbering some 165 boys, were -in the field, as follows: Gisborne School companies I and 2, Mangapapa- and Makauri 3, Ormond and Matawhero 4, Patutahi, To Aral, and Waercnga-a-bika 5. The -battalion was divided into two parties, the attacking and defending. The attacking force was under the command of Captain Cole, with Captains Leslie, Olsen, Ellis, an dFa rum; while the defenders were commanded by Captain McLeod, with Captains Marshall and Woodward; Major Kinder acting as umpire. Leiut. Morris, of the Victoria College, Wellington, was present, and was attached to No. 2 Gisborne -Company. Tho defending force, the Matawhero, Patutahi, and Ormond companies, iin-der Captain McLeod, ocou-. pied -a -position of considerable strength on a slope close to Graham’s llil-l. The attacking force proceeded to the vicinity of the operations by train. Here it may be noted that the officers greatly appreciate the consideration and courtesy of the railway officials, who did their utmost to facilitate tho day’s work. Tho “battle” took place during the forenoon, Major Kinder performing tho -duties of umpire. T-lie conianders of tho attacking companies, after consultation, decided that a frontal assault should be delivered by No. 2 Gisborne, Waerenga-a-hika, and To Ara-i companies, while No. 1 Gisborncmado a flank uttack on the right, and the Mangapapa and Makauri company attacked on the left flank. J'his plan was carried out with much spirit, the lads being supplied with “ammunition” in the form of percussion caps, to be snapped on thenmodel rifles. The ardour of some of the voung soldiers oi the attacking force led them to disregard certain precautions which should have beer, observed, and the neglect of which, had bullets been flying around them, would have caused severe Joss. In particular they got together in knots or .groups during the advance, at a time when they should have been in extended order.

After the “light,” Major Kinder addressed the battalion, expressing his gratification at the keenness with which all ranks had entered into the morning's work. He pointed out, however, that certain matters were open to criticsm, especially tho facts that tho lads in tho attacking force became “bunched together' during the advance, and that, on the other hand, the defenders had retired from a strong position prematurely. The battalion then went to luncheon. Mr. Neenan, of the Ormond Hotel, catered in a highly satisfactory manner. Tic generously offered prize medals to be competed for at shooting and skirmishing 'between the various companies of the battalion at Ormond next year. In the afternoon a shouting match between teams of four drawn from the various companies took place. The range was 260 yards, with / rounds. The team from -No. 3 company (Mangapapa -and Makauri) won, with a score of 63; that of No. •> compny (Patutahi, To Arai, and V ael enga-a-hika) being second, with 62. The individual scores dn the winning team were: Cadets Douglas 13, Smith 16, Gordon 15, and Field 14. Major Kinder and Mr. McKenzie (a civilian) then fired a match of seven rounds, Major Kinder winning by 23 points to 20. The hoys had tea, and returned to their homes after a most interesting, useful, and pleasant day, which was unmar-red by the least mishap. Great credit is due to Major Kinder and •his officers for having initiated and carried out a thoroughly -practical and serviceable day’s work.

REVIEW AT CHRISTCHURCH

[Piiess Association.]

CHRISTCHURCH, Dec. 5. At the public school sports the cadets were reviewed by LieutenantColonel Hawkins, officer commanding the district. Addressing them after the march past,, Colonel Hawkins said that he was extremely pleased with tlie manner in which the parade had been conducted. It was a fine future for the defence forces of the country, and .if tho same standard were maintained as that -which he witnessed, tlie Dominion would have nothing to fear.

Mr. C. A. C. Hardy, M.P., on behalf of the Minister of Education and the Board of Education, thanked the officers for a display of which all were proud.