THE REWA REWA CAMP.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 223, 27 February 1915, Page 5

THE REWA REWA CAMP.

TERRITORIALS UNDER CANVAS. (By Our Special Reporter.) Dull but fine weather prevailed for the opening of the annual territorial camp at Bewa itewa range, Waiwakaiho yesterday. Members ot the local Territorial lA) Company, ll'th .Regiment (Taranaki Killcs), unmucring approximately 100 Jncn, concentrated at the Coronation Hall (now the. drill shod) at ,1 o'clock •yesterday afternoon, awl at about i [Mil. inarched to the camp, a distance ot •i l /;, miles. The Opunake, Rahotu, and other country squadrons attached to the "'A" Company wcro transported into town early on Friday morning, the Warea and Okat-j meiTarriving 'per medium of the Taranaki Motor Transport Company in the evening. Some 500 'men, from Stratford, Hawera, Elthnin, Inghwood, and other Taranaki tovVns, were conveyed by special trains, -and disembarked at Smart Road, Arriving in camp about 3.15 p.m. The medical corps, comanded by Captain Whetter, will not have their full strength In camp until next week. When transporting operations are completed there will approximately 800 men and officers under canvas.

All day yesterday the streets were full, of kliaki-eliul soldiers bent on enjoying tilieir last few hours of civilian liberty before their subjection to military discipline for a fortnight. The inauguration by the defence, authorities of district instead of big divisional camps is much appreciated by the men. The former meant a long and tedious journey—very often at night without sleep —to a strange and unfamiliar Ideality. This ennrp, which is in charge of Major JSelh-inger, is picturesquely situated, amidst green undulating country, in the precincts of the Waiwakaiho river. Worth of the canvas village is the blue Pacific, and in the far distance can bo seen 'the snow-capped peak of Taranaki's sentinel, forming a fitting background to this charming oanorajna. Lieutenant Crutch will act as adjutant. Lieutenant Buxton as quartermaster, and Archdeacon Evans will be assisted by other ecclesiastical dignitaries. Among the officers in camp sire I'intam 0. H. Weston, Moves, MaeDiarmid, and Lieut.

Scott, of New PlymouHi: and Majors Harper and Mi-Naught, of Wanganui.

CAMP CUISINE. Quartermaster Buxton is responsible for the commissariat department. A commodious cookhouse of wood and iron has been erected, provided with facilities for every contingency. The food is good, clean, and well-cooked, and apparently as varied as it is plentiful. This constitutes a very important factor in the maintenance of the health and contentment of the troops. THE CANTEEN. The commodities stocked "at the canteen seem to embrace everything from the 'proverbial needle to an anchor, and already there is an indication that this will be a scene of great activity within th c next few days. RECREATION. Tiie recreation facilities are very eom■preheiisive. Social marquees, fitted with electric light, have been erected byvari--ous church denominations and societies. They include the Y.M.C.A., in charge of Mr. Hanna, physical director, Auckland, the C.E.M.S., directed by the Ven. Archdeacon Evans; and the Presbyterian Church, under the Rev. T. H. A. Koseveare. Books, papers, fioriodicals and games of all descriptions are liberally provided. Messrs Collier and Co. have kindly lent a piano and an organ, while, the Bristol Piano Company have donated a gramophone. These marquees will claim a lot of attention as reading, writing and concert rooms. Boxing contests and football matches will probably be arranged later. THE CHURCH. The religious "proclivities as well.'as. the physical aspects of the .soldier are catered for. Clergy representing no fewer six denominations arelmder canvas, and church services will be conducted by the various cJiurches on Sundav, which will lie generally recognised as a day off. Possiblv the camp will be thrown open to visitors on that day.