THE FOXTON ENCAMPMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1047, 23 May 1912, Page 3

THE FOXTON ENCAMPMENT.

The encampment of the Mounted Rifles at the local racecourse is now in full swing, all the troops having arrived yesterday and last night, and the grounds now present a very animated appearance. Practically the whole of the troops arrived yesterday, all with the exception of the C Squadron, marching to Foxton. The B Squadron, which comprised men from Pohaugiua, Palmerston North, Raugiotu, and the surrounding district, arrived at the racecourse, at about three o’clock. The Eevin and Shannon portions of the B squadron also arrived during the afternoon. The A squadron from Wellington proceeded by train to Eevin, and from there marched to Foxton, arriving between 7 and 8 o’clock last night, and the D squadron assembled at Awahuri on Tuesday afternoon, marching to the ground yesterday. Eighty-five members of the C squadron, with their horses, arrived by special train at 6.30 o’clock last night. This squadron is comprised of men from Marton, Hunterville, Maugaweka, Taihape, Waiouru, and the surrounding district. Lieutenant-Colonel Pringle, who is in charge of the camp, arrived yesterday alter noon by moloi car. Surgeon-Major O’Brien, of the Palmerston section of the mounted field ambulance, arrived by last night’s train. The number in camp is something over 400, the number of men in each squadron being : A Br, B 97, C 93, D 84, signalling corps 15, and 21 in the mounted field ambulance. To this number must be added the officers and staff, which brings the total to over 400. The area from which the men are drawn extends from Wellington on the south and Waiouru and the Turakina river on the north.

The percentage of absentees is about ten, but Lieutenant-Colonel Pringle states that fully seven per cent, ot this number can be accounted for, being absent on account ot sickness, etc. The officers of the regiment are : Lieutenant-Colonel Pringle, officer commanding regiment; Major Meldrum, second in command; Captain Povvles, N.Z.S.C., adjutant ; Captain Palmer, assistant adjutant; Captain Jickell, quartermaster ; Regimental SergeantMajor Nicholls ; medical officer, Surgeon-Major O’Brien; veterinary officer, Captain Rait. The officers in charge of each squadron are: A squadron, Captain Samuel; B squadron, Lieutenant Smith; C squadron, Captain Ashworth ; D. squadron, Major Levin. Asked by our representative the reason for holding the camp at this time of the year, LieutenantColonel Pringle said that in fixing the date the convenience of the farmers was considered, as the majority ot the mounted men were drawn from the farming community, and the present time was their slack season, and the men could therefore more easily be spared. The Officer-Commanding expressed himself as highly pleased with the grounds, which he said couldn’t be better. It was indeed a very suitable place for the camp. The only drawback, it it could be called such, was in connection with the water, but this had now been practically overcome.

The public are welcome to attend the camp, provided nothing is iuterlered with. The OfficerCommanding asks, however, that they should not congregate around the cook house.

An effort is being made to get the Railway Department to run a special passenger train from Palmerston on Sunday, and if this is done no doubt a very large number will avail themselves of the opportunity of visiting the camp. The Governor, Lord Islington, will pay a visit to the camp on either Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.

On Sunday a church parade will take place, when the service will be held under the trees on the east side cf the grandstand. A medical officer will be present during the whole time the camp is held. Singeon .Major O’Brien is at present u. charge, and the other medical officers, SurgeonCaptain Peach, Surgeon-Ueut., L’lr uuat :.ihi ; .■•■ mi - Captain tin will Wi. .. la k.• cnai ce in ■.u in. i, in: i; incipal medical niiicni, Colonel Beg g, accompanied oy Colonel Purdy, will inspect the general arrangements in connection with the camp to-morrow.

surgeon - Major O’Brien is in charge of the Mounted Field Ambulance.

Proper and complete arrangements in connection with the sanitation of the camp have been made and this matter will be after by the Sanitary Police and Ambulance.

Instructions have been issued that all drinking water shall first be boiled.

Daylight saving is to be practised in connection with the camp, the time there being fifteen minutes ahead of ordinary time. Marquees have been erected by the Presbyterian Church and the Church of England Men’s Society, for the use of the men as reading and writing rooms, in which magazines, newspapers and writing material will be supplied. The Rev A. Doull, of Palmerston, has been appointed a chaplain to the camp, and is at present in attendance, assisted by the Rev G. Budd. The Rev H. G. Rosher is also a chaplain and will be assisted by the Rev G. Y. Woodward. The Church of England Men’s Society tent will be in charge of Mr Stanton, lay curate of Palmerston North.

This morning the Regiment was

formed up and Lieutenant-Colonel Pringle addressed the men. He said he would put them on their honour to conduct themselves as gentlemen during the time they were in camp.

Captain Powles, the adjutant, informed onr representative that the majority of the troopers were under 21 years oi age, and consequently could not legally be served with liquor. He desired this fact to be made known in order that the publicans would know their position. The regulations of the Act, in respect to alcoholic liquor not being allowed in the camp, is to be strictly eafoiced.

We desire to acknowledge the very courteous manner in which our representative was treated by Lieutenant-Colonel Pringle and the other officers, who went out of their way to supply any information desired.

The caterer, Mr Devine, has the cooking arrangements right up-to-date, the fires being arranged in a long trench over which the cooking utensils are placed. There is no complaint as to the quality of the food, which is first-class.

. One of the troopers who marched from Levin, was thrown from his horse, but with the exception of a few cuts and bruises, was not sen msly hurt. There was a slight accident this morning, caused by a horse ridden by Trooper Gibbs, of C Squadron, rearing and falling backwards, the trooper being pinned to the ground. The medical officer was summoned, but he reported that there were no serious consequences. The number of tents erected on the ground is something over 100, each tent on an average being occupied by four men. • Last night, the first that all the men have been in camp, passed off very quietly, the conduct of the men being exemplary.

C.E.M.S. The Church of England Men’s Society has erected an Institute Tent at the camp. Mr Stanton, of All Saints’, Palmerston, is in charge of the tent and will remain there for the week. The tent will be used tor writing and reading, and will be visited in the evenings by the chaplain, Rev A. S. InnesJones, the Rev H. G. Rosher, and the Rev G. Y. Woodward. It is proposed to make the tent a means of having talks with the men on any subjects they wish, and to have a few songs, and then just before closing time to have a short devotional service for those wishing to remain, Mr Stanton will assist the chaplain in the special service on Sunday, and all C.E.M.S. men will be ready to do their part while in camp. The Whit Sunday services at All Saints’ Church will be posted up in the C.E.M.S. tent.