LORD KITCHENER

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 982, 28 February 1910, Page 5

LORD KITCHENER

JOHNSONVILLE MANOEUVRES.

By Telegraph —Press Association. WELLINGTON, February 27. The troops engaged in the manoeuvres at Johnsonville, on Saturday, numbered 2,916. The plan of operations was that tne enemy was supposed to have landed on the coast,and to prevent their advance. The force, comprising the Nelson district contingent, under Lieut-.Colonel Joyce, occupied Johnsonville, and defended Wellington. Theattaking force consisted of the whole of the remainder of the forces under Lieut.-Bauchop, and each commander was ordered to dispose of his troops in preparation for achieving his object, and to await the inspection by Lord Kitchener. After an interesting "battle." Lord Kitchener stopped operations at 1.30 p.m. It is understood that the attack failed, owing to the attacking party not realising the weakness of the defence. Lord Kitchener is undsrstood to have said there was any amount of good material available, but the requisite training was not there, and that it would be a valuable help if some Regular British troops were stationed in New Zealand for a couple of years. The various visiting troops left for their homes to-day. and Lord Kitchener went North by a special train this afternoon.