MILITARY TRAINING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3534, 7 September 1926, Page 2

MILITARY TRAINING.

THE TRENTIIAM CAMP. The daily routine commenced with reveille at fi.ls a.m., the period between then and breakfast at 7 o’clock being spent in furbishing gear and the tidying of huts. The first parade of the day was at 8.15 a.m., which commenced the day’s tactics. In the leisure hours of the evening there was plenty of diversion. There always was a singsong to preface the pictures, while those of a more contemplative disposition could turn to the Y.M.C.A. reading-room, or else play a game of billiards. There were 1000 trainees in camp, both artillery and infantry. The musketry course was further increased so as to include machine-gun practice, for which Vickers agd Lewis guns were available.

The troops were inspected by the Governor-General on Thursday morning, when he expressed his pleasure at what he saw. It was the first time he had seen the battalion on parade, and they presented an efficient soldierly appearance. Colonel Powell inspected them on Friday morning also, and, when he addressed them, said that while their appearance was good yet still there was room for improvements. The troops had done well during their training period, which had been productive of much good. Various competitions, indicative of military efficiency or cultural attainments, wore conducted. “B” Company took first place for drill, followed by “D” Company; bayonet lighting was won by “A” Company, whilst “D” Company were runners up; “B” Company also won the Challenge cup for line formation; “D” and “A” Companies were respectively first and second in the route march; “A” Company annexed the Colonel Cook Memorial Cup; “C” Company won the boxing, for which “E” Company secured second place. “A” Company won the football, musical and sporting competitions. R. Tantrum, who was the winner of the shooting competition last year was presented with the challenge belt. On Friday night the customary final-night concert was held, each company being represented. Three Wellington artists assisted the programme, which was, in every way, excellent. The camp was disbanded on Saturday morning, each unit returning to its base, those from, Levin and Foxton arriving home by the early afternoon train. Local members of C. Company, of the Ist Battalion of the Wellington and West Coast Regiment arrived back in Foxton on Saturday evenng, after 10 days military training at Trentham. Cold and. unsettled weather was experienced during the camp and a number of the local lads suffered from an eye affection which incapacitated them for a day or so. All appeared to be in good health and high spirits on the ar-. rival of the train in Saturday evening, however. The local Senior Cadets undergo a weeks traning on the racecourse next week. The trainees will not be under canvass, but will sleep at home.