EASTER ENCAMPMENT.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 95, 22 April 1878, Page 2

EASTER ENCAMPMENT.

There was an agreeable change in the weather on Saturday morning, the strong S.W. wind which had been blowing for some days previously, having died away. During its continuance the tent ropes were severely tested, but all stood well. On Saturday morning the camp was all astir at gunfire (six o'clock), and at seven o'clock the Volunteers fell in for an hour's battalion drill, at which they moved very steadily. After breakfast, fatigue parties were told off for various duties in connection with the camp a detachment of ,the City Cadets working well in lowering a quick hedge. A rifle match having been arranged between an united team of ten from the Artillery Cadets and City Cadets, and a like number of the Wellington Cadets, the former fired in the morning, and their scores will be found elsewhere. In ; the afternoon a rifle match came off between the Navals aod the City Rifles, the

particulars of .which we also give in ahother •place. A detaclinient fronl the Nelsbn. Artillery and Cadet Artillery Corps wete exercised ip "gun dtill at 3 o'clock, and were vety sniatt in changing wheels, dismounting •md remounting the guv-carriage and limber, &c. During the afternoon there was a steeplechase, twice round a course laid off within the cam{J. . Three horsey started*, and one belonging to Mr Cabbing proved the winner. This was followed by races with gun limbers, between members of the Artillery, Navals, and Artillery Cadet Corps, which caused considerable amusement. The battalion band played frequently and well during the day, and seemed to be much appreciated by visitors to the camp. In the evening a capital entertainment was givenin camp by the " Nelson Gymnasts" to a large and appreciative audience, the gymnastic feats being really excellent, iv fact this little troupe seems to improve each time they appear in public. Some capital patriotic and comic songs were sung t .in excellent style by Sub-lieutenant Gilpin> and Corporals Glover and Jackson; A laughable fatce seht the audience to their"; tents in good humour. Scarcely, however, had the curtain fallen when the bugle sounded the " assembly," and the whole of the volunteers fell in, and moved off to repal an imaginary attack from the sea on the camp. The three six-pounder guns were worked by the Cadets, supported by the Rifles, and after a short engagement, in which the invaders were of course repulsed, the men returned to catnp atid were dismissed for the night. The conduct of the men in camp has, we understand, been excellent, and a good spirit prevails amongst them. Of an eveuing there is vocal music in tho various lines, and as many of the volunteers possess excellent voices, a good deal of genuino amusement and enjoyment 13 provided for those who are fond of listening to well-renderad songs. During the day sereral officers received telegrams from Captain Marshall, expressing his good wishes for the success of tho encampment, and suitable replies were returned. The reading tent which was liberally supplied with newspapers and periodicals by Messrs Hounsell and Jackson was well attended each avening. On SUNDAY, At 9 o'clock, the men fell in for roll call, and after inspection were dismissed. Many attended divine service at the Richmond Church, but the majority remained in camp. At three o'clock the bugle soundad for Church Parado, and 182 Volunteers and from two to three hundred visitors attended divine service which was conducted by the Yen Archdeacon Thorpe, who preached an impressive sermon taking for his text 1 Kings, x?iii, 21 : — " How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal then follow him." The Volunteers will be reviewed at half-past two this afternoon by the Hon. Major Richmond C. B. In the evening they will return to town by special train.