THE TERRITORIALS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIII, Issue 24, 25 May 1912, Page 2

THE TERRITORIALS.

“QUEEN ALEXANDRA’S OWN.” STRIKING CAMP. To-day will see the camp of the West Coast 2nd Regiment (“Queen Alexander’s Own,”) at the Racecourse vacated by the mounted men, and refilled by some 150 infantry “casuals,” says the Waverley correspondent of the Patea “Press.” This morning the Waimarino section of A Squadron were noisily busy at 4 o’clock preparing for departure. By G o’clock all horses were trucked and gear aboard and by 7 were under way. At 9.45 C and D Squadrons left for tie north by special train. Later the local men, B Squadron and the Wanganui section of A Squadron left per road. There can be no denying that all men have enjoyed themselves—the “rookies” because the camp was a novelty, to say nothing of an education, and those who had “been there” before because it has proved quite as enjoyable as those of the Volunteer

Yesterday, General Godley wired expressing his regret to all ranks for his inability to visit, owing to an accident, and a message from the 0.. C Regiment, Lieut.-Colonel Davis, was read, expressing his high appreciation of the work done and the conduct of the men. Has Concert. The campfire concert hold on Tuesday night around a roaring campfire was the feature of the camp, and along with entertainments- of an impromptu nature helped to keep the men’s spirits up despite the cold and wind. A good crowd of visitors were present. The Sports. The sports on Wednesday afternoon were well attended, and the greatest excitement prevailed ever the various events, which wojro keenly contested. For the tug-of-war on horseback, each squadron entered two teams, D Squadron finally winning the final from No. 1 A, which was captained by Bert Wilson, late skipper of the Waverlcy Football Club. J. Leo and L. Hunt, both of B Squadron, came first and second respectively in the 100yds race. A Squadron came first for the best four over hurdles, the local four, Sergt.Major I). Robinson, Sergeant Old, Sergt. Blake, and Trooper A. Johnston, being placed second. The rescue race, which attracted a very large field, was won by Pte. G. Foreman (Alton), also of B Squadron. The final for the tug-of-war on foot was decided last night between I) and B Squadron, the former winning after a tremendous pull. Competitions were also held for the best four troop horses, and for the host mounted trooper. I) Squadron won the former, B Squadron’s four—Sergt. Blake, Corp. J. Robertson, Troopers Mcßcatli and I). McG orrery (Mr C. Sneddon’s horse) coining second. It is pleasing to note that the local troop of B Squadron compared very favourably with any in camp, and it can be predicted that the new Wairoas will maintain the reputation of the old corps. In this connection it is necessary to mention Staff Sergeant Major Davis, who, till Tuesday last, when he had to go to another camp, was “father confessor,” to use his own words, of B Squadron. T.’.e Sergt.-Major in the few days ho was attached to the corps, won a warm spot in tin' hearts ox all, and wh.cn he announced that ho was to depart, # the whole squadron joined in “Will Ye No Come Back Again..”