The Stratford Evening Post. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETLER. MONDAY MARCH 31, 1913. THE COMING CAMP.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 70, 31 March 1913, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETLER. MONDAY MARCH 31, 1913. THE COMING CAMP.

The march of over two thousand Territorials through Christchurch from the training camp at Yaldhurst is referred to by the “Press” as “an inspiring sight,” and was certainly an excellent idea on the part of the military authorities. Possibly the inspiration may do something towards - shaming some of those misguided Christchurch residents whose anti-military outbursts surprised other parts of New Zealand. The “Press” expresses little doubt but that the local Territorial force will soon be a credit to the dominion in general smartness and efficiency, as they are in physique and the interest they take in their work, for already evidence is seen of the soldierly spirit of emulation which makes each man keen for the honour of his regiment and anxious that it shall take front rank in point of soldierly skill and efficiency. Continuing, the “Press” says: “What was most gratifying to the onlooker was to note the excellent material of which the force is made. One look at the sunburned faces and sturdy carriage of the lads was sufficient to convince any doubters that the steady exercise, the fresh air, and the regular hours of camp life are doing the men a lot of good from a moral as well as a physical point of view. We simply cannot understand the attitude of mind of those who think that this is not a wholesome interlude in the demoralising round of cigarettesmoking, lounging at street corners, and frequenting stuffy picture halls, which take up such a deploarble part of the recreation hours of the town lad. The stay in camp may not be so necessary to the country-bred New Zealander, but there is no doubt that it makes an agreeable break in his life, and that intercourse with his fellows, and a glimpse at the activities of a large town tend to brighten him up intellectually.” In a few days’ time the young men of this district will be called upon to go into camp at Oringi, and we trust that the Territorials themselves and their employers will not shirk any sacrifice that may be required to enable the Xlth Regiment to hold its own in pride of place at the coming camp.