SCHOOL CADETS CAMP.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9110, 1 April 1908, Page 5

SCHOOL CADETS CAMP.

(Contributed.)

Yesterday has "been a busy one in the camp. Early morning parade Jas usual, but after breakfast the orders were for a march out to Orofton, the idea being to give the cadets a lesson in route marching and the objective being the capture of Orofton Post Office with a view of stopping the enemy’s communication, with their base. The Martbn Company ' were sent ahead to occupy Orofton and defend the Post Office, the remainder of the battalion forming the attack* ing force. Half-an-hour after the departure from camp of the defenders the remainder of the battalion, marched out with advance guards connecting links and [main body. On the approach to the bridge at Orofton opposite Mr Warrington’s property* the scouts got touch of the defenders’ outposts. Meanwhile strong flanking parties had been despatched to try to turn the flanks by entering Orofton by the cross roads right and left. The defenders had in the meanwhile placed a look-out on the roofs of the Post Office and creamery and these were able by their advantageous position to keep their officers well posted as to the movements of the attacking party.;* Ultimately the attackers who were commanded by Oapt. Ashworth of the Hunterville Company, carried the bridge on the main road by a cleverly conceived ruse and rushing the centre entered Orofton and captured the Post Office. Meanwhile a prolonged outpost action was contested by Captain Adams (adjutant) defending, and Captain Jackson, Mangaweka, attacking on the right- flank, and Captain Train, Marton, defending and Lieut. Thompson attacking on the left. On the right honors were fairly divided as, although Captain Adams had the bridge covered by a concentrated rifle lire, Captain Jackson succeeded in placing some of his men in the Orofton school ground. On the left Lieut. Thompson made a wide detour and kept his men well covered. They had finally to cross the plough and stubble behind the Post Office, and it is doubtful if they would have succeeded in doing so had they been subjected to actual \ fire. Lieut. Thompson sue- i ceeded in placing' his men in Mr Chase’s shop, but owing to the smallness of his party was unable to bring them out, Captain Train having massed the whole of his men not out in action with the intent of bottling up the attackers. Finally the bugles sounded and put an end to the battle of Crofton. The work done by the cadets was excellent and showed a considerable amount of cleverness on their part, besides the fact that the discipline was good and that they were well in hand the whole time.

In the evening: the battalion marched to Messrs c Brice, Broad & Go.’s grain shed, where they were entertained by the 'Huia Minstrels, and spent a most ehjoyable time and their thanks are heartily tendered to those gentlemen who, at so much trouble, came out to provide an enjoyable close to an arduous day. The thanks of the battalion are also tendered to Messrs Brice, Broad & Go., for their kindness in lending the shed.