AUCKLAND.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 49, 11 January 1862, Page 2

AUCKLAND.

THE CAMP AT OTAHUHU.

After an occupation of some nine months, the ;Camp at Otahuhu is now in course of being broken up, in consequence of the movement of the troops towards the Lower Waikato. All was | bustle on Monday last ; active preparations for the march were everywhere observable—messes were being wound up — kits packed—baggage waggons stowed—and every indication for taking the field universally displayed. Yesterday, at 3 a.m., the head quarters of the 14th Regiment, in conjunction with the detached companies of the 12th Regiment assembled on parade, and at 5 a.m., preceded by the beautiful banil of the 14th, and under command of Colonel Sir J. E. Alexander, commenced their march towards Drury, where they were to halt for that evening pursuing their route towards Havelock this morning. The 40th regiment are to follow this day; and the 70th on Thursday, the Camp being left in command of a field officer of one of the regiments,—which, we have not been able to learn. Five hundred of the 65th Regiment will march from Auckland in the course-of the week, so that the Royal Artillery will be the only corps remaining in this garrison for the present. The troops went off in high health and spirits ; and, indeed, it is not out of place to remark that nothing can more strongly prove the extraordinary salubrity of this climate than the condition of the troops stationed at Otahuhu during one of the most wet and inclement winters experienced in this Province for many years. Notwithstanding that the 70th arrived from Calcutta in midwinter—were marched from the ship to the camp, which at that time was barely marked out, and a perpjet quagmire, and although they were placed under canvas, and experienced numerous disagreeables, we believe we are warranted in saying that the health of the men instead of becoming impaired, rapidly and greatly improved, until they are now, without any casualties attributable to the service in which they have been engaged, in the highest condition of physical efficiency. As with the 70th, so with all the other regiments doing duty in Auckland. Despite their winter's privations, nothing can surpass the magnificent aspect of their personnel, and we feel well assured thai they will not full to render a good account of the peaceful campaign in which they are about to break ground.—•' New Zealander," Dec. 25.