UNDER CANVAS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 14, 7 May 1914, Page 8

UNDER CANVAS.

TAKAPAU MANOEUVRES. JTeb Press Association.! Takapau Military Camp, May 6. Tie big field day at the Takapau encampment was held in fine, lot weather. The manoeuvres were very successful form a practical standpoint, and gave the few civilian onlookers a splendid idea of the conditions in actual warfare. The scheme of operations was for the main forces of infantry, artillery, and batteries to attack a position held by the rearguard of the forces, who were retreating. The country was most suitable for the work of this kind, and operations were carried out by the men'in magnificent style. They started out from camp about 10 a.m., and the final assault by the .party fighting the rearguard action took place at half-past 12. The engagement would have terminated earlier, but for the mounted men of the attacking force getting into wrong territory, through mistaking the base of the enemy. This necessitated the reserves of the attackers being called up, and the mounteds making a lug detour to rectify their mistake. This they did in excellent style. All this time howitzers and field guns had been supporting the attackers, while there was a continuous bark of rifles throughout. The men worked willingly and well, and no finer practical war lesson 'will be given in New Zealand for some time. General Sir lan Hamilton, and staff, and General Godley and staff, critically, watched the operations, and at Sir lan Hamilton's request, the proposed scheme for the Mounteds was abandoned in the latter stages and one of his own substituted, being very creditably executed. The troops marched past in column in the afternoon in the presence of many spectators. The inquiry into the disturbance of last Sunday has not yet concluded. General Hamilton departed to-night for Hamilton. Addressing the officers after the march past, which took fortythree minutes, General Hamilton said the whole attack was worked well. It was very creditable. There had been an appearance of cohesion and weight. The attacking army came up well together, the blow came in at the proper time, and the result was realistic and very, satisfactory, and the display interesting and successful. The General presented several long service medals.