MILITARY EXERCISES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 131, 27 October 1914, Page 3

MILITARY EXERCISES.

.FIELD DAY AT EG MONT KOAD. In accordance with the scheme of work laid doiv'i; by Major liellringer, the members of the .Defence ltille Club and the Cadets assembled At f-30 a.m. yesterday at the Coronation .Uail, and marched together to the ICgmont the bugler and drummer giving valuable, assistant in marking time. Captain | Moyes was in charge of the Cadets, who turned out '240 strong', while Captain lioon commanded the Hide Club, having IK) men in the ranks. On reaching ligmont lioad the two forces separated, the Rille Club taking up a position on liishop's farm, and tho Cadets marching two miles up the Egmont Koad towards Egmont Village. It was the duty of the Cadets to attack the enemy, and drive them back. Starting from iiiigh ground, the Cadets got in touch with the enemy's scouts, and drove them over the railway line towards the Golf Links, where eventually the action ceased.

: The. notes of the umpire (Major Fletcher) state:—The scouts of the attacking foree were in position at 2 p.m. Ihey worked in pairs, taking advantage of cover. The right wing worked up the gudy below Bishop's farm. Supports too close. I lie first tihot from iin- ueienik'rswas fired at 2.S p.m. The right attack moved forward up the.gully. From the ridge to the left of i'opi.ir Valley the enemy was plainly in sight, 011 the crest of a bare ridge, in the centre 'JOO yards. The firing line on the right, under cover at the road, was reinforced by a half company of Technical Sehou! Cadets at 3 p.m., the supports being in the rear. Firing ceased 011 the right while the living line formed 011 the road. At 3.10 p.m. there was a strong firing line on the ridge above the railway'line. .At 3.15 a iiring line was establidied on the ra-i.way line. Ammunition was running short in the centre. The left of Xo. 2 Company covered an advance over the railway. At 3.35 half the section was out of action, the final assault taking place at 3.-10 p.m., honours being easv.

Considering that two of the Cadet Companies had never been out before, the work done was very creditable, there were faults, of course, but much valuable information was gained. On the whole, the scheme worked out well, and tho keen interest taken bv both sides was most commendable. The Cadets were at a disadvantage with regard to ammunition, having only 12 or 14 rounds per unit, while the Rille Club had 20 ro.unds per man, When it is considered /that shortness of ammunition prevents a foree from establishing superiority of fire when in dose touel°, tliQ nature of the handicap will be apparent. Fortunately' Captain Moyes had 1400 rounds available, or the Cadets would have fared very ba.ii.. The least the Defence authorities can. . n is to <'ncourage good work by s n; a ciency of cartridges. -however, may be remedied on ueasio-is, for it is hoped that vest ■ ;, exercises will be but the first of a : ; -