IN CAMP.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 20, 28 May 1913, Page 5

IN CAMP.

WITH THE “CASUALS.” AT ORINGI. (From Our Own Terry.) Sunday. So much has been hoard of the brigade camps which have preceded that there is not, perhaps, much interest taken in the casual camp now being held at Oringi. Not much interest, maybe, but just enough to keep some part of the community wondering how the casuals (a fairly cosmopolitan lot as far as districts are concerned) are faring. Well, the first subject is generally the weather and this, since we came into camp on Friday evening, has been of tho best, although the “Terries” who came in for the four extra days were not so kindly treated in this respect. Monday and Tuesday were very wet, and the result was that tho camp was one sheet of water. But it has dried up wonderfully, and if wo get this kind of weather all through, there should bo nothing to complain of. The Men and Their Work.

Speaking roughly, the number of men in camp, officers included, is about 650, and to this number the XI Regiment (Taranaki Rifles) contributes seventy-three men, three officers under Captain Lampen (Adjutant), and Regimental Sergt.-Major McGlade. The camp commandant is Captain Foster, from the Commonwealth army. Tho work, so far, lias consisted chiefly of musketry, judging distances, and general company work. This will probably form the bulk of the camp work for a few days, but the last two or three will be devoted to field work. All arrangements are well carried out, and tho lines are as clean as a new pin, thanks, a very great deal, to the aforesaid weather conditions.

“Playing the Came.” It may be too early in the day to speak of the discipline of the camp, but so far there has been no charges preferred against any of us, and the general demeanour of the camp would almost lead one to believe that we are going to go with a clean sheet. Last night Dannevirke was paid a visit by a large number of those who were on leave and their behaviour this time did not give cause for any comment. Tills may have been the result of a little ad- . vice given by the officers that the mpu on leave should “play the game.” .Well, C j they played it as it should be played. ; The Commissariat. . '1 We are being well looked after re- i ) garding the inner man. Ofiicoufse, j, ;1 there are mo serviettes, but, then, one doesn’t eat serviettes.' - To-day, Sunday, W|6 regaledj with “duff” and brandy sauce (minus the brandy) for dihii'er. Oh arrivhl'. jOP Friday night we ivOre mighty tired of the long journey, and made short work of a hoc tea, which was forthcoming shortly after arrival. On the way down, arrangements had been made for refreshments,*’ and*' 's&' to the railway refreshment booths at Aramoho and Palmerston North. The usual camp canteen is also run, and tlie Y.M.C.A. have fa largfe* marquee pitched, wherein there is plenty of reading matter and writing material.* ' * Church Parade and After. To-day being Sunday, there j was practically no drill. A Church parade was held in the morning, the Rev. Mr Render, of Stratford, chaplain, conducting a service. This afternoon a grand football tourney was arranged, and although we of the Xlth are Only casuals, we upheld the/name of Taranaki in the football field, as did those of our regiment at the big camp, when they won the championship against The World. There was not time to complete the final to-day, but this will probably bo played later. Taranaki played the 2nd IXth, and beat them to the tune of 14. to nil. The Vllth also defeated the Ist IX team by 21 to nil—not sure of the last score, but something like that anyway. Taranaki are morals for the premiership, and their war cry (copyrighted and patented in all countries) helps them greatly. The camp was visited to-day by a great number of visitors. As this letter is being knocked into shape, there is a big noise of voices somewhere in camp, but whether it is a service or not, yours truly can scarce- ' ly make out. It’s a great row anyway, and which noise, besides relieving the feelings of the fellows, gives one an insight into their contentment. They are one big happy “mob.” THE SOUTHERN CAMP. Gore, May 27. There is a rumour current here that there is much drinking in connection with the Otamita military camp, nine miles from Gore, where 1200 men are under canvas. The men also complain that they are underfed.