TARANAKI CADET CAMP.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8073, 31 March 1906, Page 2

TARANAKI CADET CAMP.

A SHAM FIGHT. Thursday was & field day for tho soldier lads in camp at Sentry Hill. Major Dempsey received a demand from Captain Mills, in command of the enemy, for the surrender of his whole force, arms and accoutrements of war, failing which the camp would be attacked at p.m. The Major's reply was, " No surrender is the motto of the Taranaki Cadet Forces," and the cam}) proceeded to business. Scouts were thrown out in all directions, the railway and road were strongly held, and the river banks were lined with skirmishers. At 4.30 the scouts on lookout hill reported " enemy in sight in force," and shortly after the khaki uniforms of the Guards were seen approaching the railway bridge, which the defenders had neglected to destroy. Shots were exchanged, hut the attacking forces crossed Ihc river, and, with magnificent disregard for the terrific tire that met their advance, approached to within one hundred yards of the firing line. Another detachment endeavoured to outflank the defenders on the north, but were surroundered and captured. Hound the historic field of Mahoetahi and along the banks of the famous Matmgaraki, the fight nonraged, the crackle of musketry never ceasing. H enforcements were hurried in to the defence, aud the lighting on one ridge became actually hand to hand. It was evident, however, that the enemy were repulsed, aud soon prisoners began to pour in. The sight of diminutive cadets iu charge of gigantic Guardsmen was a most exhilarating one. By 5.30 p.m. the fight was ovo,-, and the whole of the enemy's force, bag aud baggage, had fallen into Major Deinpsey's hands, the prisoners including Captain Mills and Color-Sergeant Armitage, and numbering fifteen all told.

There was quite a largo number of people present from New Plymouth and Stratford, who took a keen interest in the progress of the camp,'" besides bringing supplies of fruit aud vegetables.

Ouly one lad was " sick-listed " ou Thursday, aud he was sent to New Plymouth to have a troublesome molar extracted, returning full of ardour next day.