THE TAKAPAU CAMP.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1242, 7 May 1914, Page 4

THE TAKAPAU CAMP.

One ol the sergeants from this district has furnished the following notes on the Territorial camp at Taka pan ; We left Palmerston N. at 7.20 on Sunday, and were lauded at Takapau at 10.50, and had to march about two miles to camp, which is situated ou a beautiful site. Half-way there It started to rain, and by the time we were settled In our tents we were rather damp. Our luggage had been dumped down without any covering, and a lot of it was soaked. Rain continued all day aud night, but Monday broke very fine, and we had a good day at drying our goods, and then getting in our drill, However, Tuesday was again wet, and we spent another day under very miserable circumstances. Wednesday broke fine, and we were marched about two miles to the rifle range, aud got our shooting done. When iu the middle of it, however, rain again set iu, aud we were practically soaked again. Thursday was fine, and we had a good day at drill. On Friday I was detailed to take six men tor a guard, but we were not needed until alter 8 at night. I had just got to bed when I had to turn out. Of course, 1 did not do any sentry go, but bad to see that all was well. About 3 a.m. rain set in again, aud by the time I was relieved I was wet to the skin. It was still raining when we were ordered to fall in, and we marched about three miles out to drill. I can tell you, it was very cold and miserable out there. However, this afternoon (Saturday) we are in our tents, and it is raiding like the deuce, aud blow iug a gale. We are up every morning at 6 o’clock, have physical drill 6.45 to 7.15, breakfast at 8, fall in at 9, lunch at 12.30, fallII again at 2 p.m., and drill till 4 30, dinner at 6 (for us sergeants a special marquee is erected), and lights out at 10.15. I am perry to say that “Billy” McAllister was taken to the field hospital yesterday, but am not sure what is wrong with him. However, Ido not think It is very tenons. The non-coms, and men are a very decent lot, aud we will get on well together. Of course, there are a few “rummies,” and one or two of them have already taken out their money in fines. The food to far is fairli good, but of course there is nothing “flash.” Personally, I think tint the men get better food than we do. Anyhow, ,1 know they get more of it. All cur driuking water is supposed to be boiled, but so far I have not been able to get any. When I went to the cook to get some, I was told to go to a place where there is not so much rain as at Takapau, aud drink out of a tap. The tents are uot too good ; most of them leak. At present, while I am writing this, the rain is dripping down the back of my neck. The ground Is in a terrible state, and while going my round at 4 a.m. this morning it was about up to my neck iu mud and slush.