OUR DEFENDERS IN CAMP.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8089, 20 April 1906, Page 3

OUR DEFENDERS IN CAMP.

ALLEGED LAIUUKTNISM. A letter written by ■' Civilian " to the Wanganui " Chroiycle " strongly criticises the conduct of a section of the officers and men in camp at Putiki on Sunday afternoon last. The letter is followed by others. "W. Tyler " writes of the volunteers"Their childish conduct in tho streets of Wangauui on Saturday and Sunday nights, following; up the Salvation Army and acting the fool generally, was a disgrace to the Battalion." "Onlooker" says that the Sunday afternoon incident " served to show hmv much delicacy and line feeling is inborn in our young :\'ew Zealander. Xot even the famous scum of the Sydney Domain would have publicly exhibited their inuate boorishntss, as did our local heroes (or at least a section of .them) yesterday. The few officers who were looking oil are not to be complimented on their control of their men, as not one attempted to in any way put a stop to the amusement."

A Takaxiki Daily Xews representative, m conversation with prominent I\'c\v I'lyuiouth volunteers, who wero present, was assured that the affair consisted of the concerted " barrack " of a yo.nig couple who were enjoying their " spooning" on a hill in view bf the camp. A scouting party unofficially went out to reconnoitre, and the mauu'itvres were closely watched from the camp by scores of volunteer, who turned their glasses on. the amorously inclined couple. When the latter passed through the camp on their return to town, they received an •vation of a kind that, though good-natured, was not appreciated. Several of the officers did their best to keep the men's cxubera»ce in check. The incident has been brought prominently before the public, and it is quite probable that an official investigation will be held. It is rumored that the yoiing man who was the centre of attraction is not unknown in South Taranaki.

Writing editorially on the incident the Wanganui " Chronicle " says " The Colonel, in his farewell address to the men. congratulated the whole battalion upon its excellent behaviour. At the time of speaking he was, we presume, cognisaat ot' what had occurred in camp ou the previous day. Was he also aware of the Salvation Army incident, which, we are informed, resulted in the unwarranted disturbance of a religious service P Had lie heard anything of the alleged larrikinism on the Town Bridge ? Had he heard any complaint as to the foul language said to have been used by some of the men ou the-streets ? These things are all talked about, perhaps magnified, and comments of this nature freely indulged iu by reputable citizens are anything but creditable to the camp and its management."