THE ENCAMPMENT.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2618, 23 April 1889, Page 2

THE ENCAMPMENT.

SATU KDAY. THK CAM I 1 AUI'.ANG KM EN'T.S. Fine weuthor continued on Saturday until evening, when light ruin full. The order of the day consisted of output duty during the first part of the day by both infantry and cavalry, besides the usual military routine of the camp. The whole of the troops had now settled down, and began to foe! at home utider canvas. In our last issue we gave our own estimate of the total number of men encamped, being .somewhat below the oflicial return. Col. Shepherd and other officers have since pointed out to us that we did not include those absent from camp 011 leave, who would bring up the number to the oflicial total of (J79, which can, therefore, be accepted as correct, without cavil. We also inadvertently omitted to include 1 Jr. Kenny's name as being on the medical staff. THK HI'OHTS. After dinner there was a general movement for Sydney Square where, the sports were to be held. The "A" Battery took three of their guns. In ascending the hill above the camp, one of the gun-carriages •slipped over the edge of the newly formed road and a gunner named Taylor had his ankle severely bruised by the wheel and had to bo taken to the field hospital. No. 1 (ian isoti Band and tho Hamilton Light Infantry Baud played euspii-iting airs 011 tho way to the Square, which shortly contained fully two thousand people, military and civilians. Such a gay scene has never been witnessed in tho same spot before. Considering the short time at their disposal for the purpose, the committee were very successful in carrying out an excellent programme, Mr T. <*. Sondes being the ciiief organiser and working with his usual energy. The Artillery competition in drill, quick firing and unlimbering, was a most interesting sight to the country spectators. Tho Rescue competion of the Mounted Infantry was well performed, though the hi-irsos seemed unused to the double-banking. The hurdle jumping by several troops of four cavalrymen each was the feature of the day, the steady riding round the course and some of the jumping being admirable. The following were the different events, Colonel Shepherd acting as judge : — Ala km M atch. — Xo. 2 section, Harris Bailey, JJalton and Usher (South Franklin Mountod Infantry), 1. Rescue Match.—Troopers Barribal and Hgan (Waiuku Cavalry), 1 ; Troopers McCraken and C. Dulton (South Franklin Mounted Infantry), 2; Troopers Pollard and Webb (South Franklin Mounted Infantry), 3. Best Dkillkd Section.—Lieut. Barribal, Sergt. Barribal and Troopers Barribal and Egan (Waiuku Cavalry), 1. Tu(i Of Wah.—-Country, 1. 100yds.—Corboy (Te Awamutu Cavalry), 1; Egan (Waiuku Cavalry), 2. Hor Step anii Ju.Ml'. — Corboy (Te Awamutu Cavalry), 1; Wall (Onehunga Rifles), 2. Long Dihta.vck Race. —J. Egan (Waiuku Cavalry), 1 ; O'Neill (Hamilton Light Infantry), 2; Wright (Hamilton Light Infantry), 3. MESS DIXNKII. Tho officers gave a dinner to the civilians of Hamilton in tho mess tent, where there was a capital spread. But the ram which came down just before dark marred its success, as most of the guests from town could not attempt the walk to camp on a wet and pitch dark night. After the health of H'-.r Majesty had been drunk with the u-mal honouis, Colonel Shepherd proposed "Our Friends in Hamilton," and in doing so expressed the pleasure felt by himself ami officers in coming to Hamilton, where lie hoped more encampments would be held. He referred to the handsome manner in which they had been treated by the Mayor and people, and with the name of Mr Coates he coupled that of Capt. Reid, who had brought the camp here, and had done so much for its success. Mr I. Coates, Mayor of Hamilton, suitably replied, and was folUwed by Capt. Reid. who expressed his thanks for tho notice taken of his efforts. DRAMATIC I'EUFOItMANCK. After dinner there was a return to the township, to be present at the performance of " Helping Hands,'' a drama given by the Cum us Club. Tho attendance was not so large as was expected, but the majority of those present were in uniform. There were also some visitors from Caulbridge. The performance gave immense satisfaction to the officers and men present, who frequently expressed astonishment at meeting with such conspicuous talent in amateurs. We gave our readers a very full account of this play at its previous production by tho club, therefore need not go over the same ground again, except to say that the acting of the characters of Tilda and Shookey was thoroughly enjoyed and gained loud and frequent applause. Equal appreciation was shown of tho artistic and polished manner in which Old Hartmann and his charming daughter sustained their difficult parts. Or. Merton (Mr P. E. Stevens) showed groat improvement in his character as the gentle Margaret's lover. Oil the whole, the piece was played with less spirit than last time, and there wore perceptible pauses in following up the cues in many instances that rather weakened the success of tho play. Wolf, the Jew, (Dr. Jvenny) was capital, in fact better than before. We must here note an unusual occurrence on the part of a youthful and enthusiastic, if not eccentric, admirer of Tilda's performance, who threw at hor, in rapid succession, half-a-dozen enormous bouquets of chrysanthemums. It did not seem to strike the rapturous youth that it was not quite au fait to thus litter the stage and impede tiie movements of the actors.

SUNDAY. CIIL'IU'II I'AKAUK. The priueip il work of this morning was Chinch pa rade, about four hundred nmi inarching to town headed by their splendid bands, with Col. Shepherd, Major l J irie, A. D.C., and Capt, Kolm leading the column. All arms of the service were represented and the troops looked very well in their full dress, the Artillery, Engineers, and Hamilton Light Infantry partielarly. Detachments wont into the Koman Catholic and I'resbyteiiau Churches, and fully three hundred proceeded to S. Peter's, Church of England. Sufficient accommodations could not bo found in the latter building for so large a body of men besides the congregation, and a great many were left out. The Church presented a beautiful appearance with its Easter decorations. The Rev. 11. O'C. Biggs, the incumbent, officiated and preached an excellent sermon from S. Luke, 24th chapter G'fch verse, " He is not here; he is risen." After service the column was reformed and returned to camp. A large number of civilians visited the camp, and were treated to some fine music by the Carrison Band, under Bandmaster Hunter. A thunderstorm, with rain, drove everyone to shelter in the tents, and rather spoiled the afternoon. The Salvation Army made an attack on the camp, but had to retire uuder a very hot (ire.

DEPARTURE OF THE NAVAL AIU'IIXKUY. At four o'clock about fifty of tlio Navals paraded with their kits and baggage to return to Auckland by special train tu join their comrades who had nut come to camp, and to form tlio Guard of Honour to Lord Onslow. The detachment marched >>ut of camp, headed by the No. 1 Garrison Jiaud, amidst loud cheers. TUB STAI-T. The staff were engaged in arranging their plans for the review aud skirmish on the last day of the camp. the iiosrn'Ai.. There were in the hospital at tin's time four men, two being cases of sunstroke, one suffering from the effects of exposure all night, and the other from an injury sustained in an accident. THK CAMP AT NIGHT. We may here add that looking down mi the camp at night, from the terrace above the ground, it presented a very picturesque appearance, with the tents all lighted aud the numerous fires burning iu various quarters, whilst the sound of voices talking and singing, mingled with those of a variety of musical instruments, made the air very lively.

MONDAY. THE REVIEW. The principal event of the encampment came off on this day. After consulting a map of the district, the stall' decided 011 a spot for the sham fight. It was at first rumoured the contest would take place between Col. Forbes' property at the Lake and the Hamilton bridge, the cavalry to attempt to cut througl* Um infantry tu

j each the eamp, and a stand In bo inade fur tlio passage .if til I .' bndgr. !V it at half-past two the troop.-; were *en t:i\' in;? a, \ory tippositu dir.-ctiuii, :mt| gier numbers of spectators filled every ~ i u:inii' in Hamilton K.vst, Tlup: in *vi> .. c iviiliy attack on Hamilton 12.,t, wlne'i w defended by the Infantry ami Ar.llli'i\'. If the former could -in:., s:.i in ti.r.! through to Sydney Square Ui .iy weir, to Wawarded the victory. <J.>f>■mil S'l'.pher'J ;nid C 'looel Forbes were the nnii.-s, 'L l ..i Cavalry, supposed to bo slr.ni:;, were commanded by Captain IJruo«, of the To Awainulu Cavalry, and approached bv (In; fiat I on the brow of Steele'.- Will. Tlio defending force, to the lin'ober of SUO, worn commanded by Col. Hliopimr*!. and occupied an exlended line nearly two miles long, from Steele's Hill ajro.ss a valley to tlio reach Grove. At each end was a battery of two gun- 1 , which worn strongly posted. I).*,r;ichtiiHiitof infantry, witk tlio Wai ku moun ;.1 corps, supported the batteries, *n 1 skirmishers were placed along the whole line. A body of about 103 of the enemy was reported bv the scouts to be approaching Steele's Hill 1 at'ery, and soon the skirmishers wore driven in, but the Lattery opened lire on the advancing horsemen, and they retired. A large number were next seen slowly descending the. hill behind the hedges, and made a dash across an open field, under a hot fire from the battery and skirmishers. Here Capt. J'iuco made a stand, but could not force a mssage, the infantry fire being too severe He fell back, and then, uuder cover of the scrub, cleverly managed to roach the open space near the Peach Grove, where tiring soon told tis he was observed. Kiru was kopt- up along the whole line of skirmishers (comprising the Hamilton Light Infantry and the Royal Irish and other Rifles), and a charge on the left of the line was made by tlio cavalry. The infantry then closed up to the support of their left, and Lieut. Kirk formed a rallying squire on the right. Capt. Union's men tl en clmrgo 1 thiough the gap loft by the infantry in going to the support of the left of their line, and emerged on to the road, under the tire of one of the Armstrong guns, worked by a detachment of the A Battery of Artillery, in command of Captain Geddes. This gr.n was handled .smartly, and lire was kept up on the cavalry until they rode out of sight. About six of the Hamilton Light Infantry wore taken prisoners by the cavalry, and left in charge of two troopers, who made the ludicrous mistake of marching them into their own lines, and Capt. Reid quietly informed the troopers tiiat supp sing his men had been fairly captured by the cavalry, the fact of their being brought into their own lines by so small an escort turned the tables, and the captuiers must consider themselves captured. The men under Capt. Bruce continued their advance, and reached Sydney Square, amidst loti-! cheers. Liout. Gresham's feints on Steele's Hill battery wero continued, but he was unable to carry out his purpose of passing the gunß. The decision of the umpires has been given in favour of the defending party, as, in their opinion, the cavalry could not have survived the fire from the infantry and the guns. Atter the sham tight the troops were marched to Sydney Square.

THE MAHCH PAST. After a sliort rest tli-3 companies were drawn lip Iri column, and marched past tho commanding ollioer and staff. The evolutions wore executed very creditably, and in the following order Cavalry, consisting of thyWaiuku and To Awamutu troops ; Artiil <r\ : "A" Battery with their f >nr pieces, and ilk ''0" IJ.it'tsry; Mounted infantry (Son' h l-Yaiiklin). Naval Brigade, Kngineers, It ivul In-di Uiti.'s, Hobsou Rifles .South Wairoa Kiflos and Hamilton j, urhl lnf.iuf.ry. The palm for precision is niveu in tlio '' 0"' battery, Capt. .James, and next fo them the; Hamiltonian:; under Capt. R> id. The WaiuUu troop matched past in ticst older, the To Awamutu having their order spoilt by tho bad dressing of one man. A'.'C'IMKNTS, A few accidents happened during the day. Col. Forbes' horse came in contact with a gun carriage, and unbolted its rider, bnt without inflicting serious injury, and Col. Shepherd's orderly Rot too uaar the battery at Steele's hill, and hud Ins fi,c> severely scorched with the discharge of one of tho guus. One of Lieut, lire-sham's troopers' horses got away when rotieiting back to the hill top, and charged back aloun across the open country to the infantry hues, where it was met by a hot fire, It then turned back, followed by a lot of civilians on horseback, who were mistaken by the battery for a body of the enemy, and tired on as they raced across the open field. coi,. roiißios' i.Kcruuic. Col. Forbes delivered a most graphic; and eloquent lecture in the Odd Fellow's Hull, in the evoning, on the subject of the memorable siege and massacre of Cawupore. There was a fair attendance, and Col. Shepherd with many olticers and men of the volunteer force were present. The lecturer's descriptions of the three weeks' siege and the heroism of tho British garrison were frequently applauded and his account of tho treacherous mas sacre of the betrayed defendeis and the subsequent slaughter of tiie helpless women and children by the monster JN'ana Sahib was, even at this distance of time, moving to the hearts of his audience. The stage was decorated with Indian trophies, and at the conclusion of the lecture two young ladies and a child, dressed in rich Hindoo costumes, were presented to the audience. Captain Reid showed several limelight views of Lndian scenery, including the fatal spot at Cawupore. Colonel Shepherd, in moving a vote of thanks to Col. Forbes for his excellent address, said he took the opportunity of thanking the people of Hamilton for tho hearty reception they had given the troops.

IMKAKINfi UP AND KMiIAUKATJON. [ The camp broke up at 11 o'clock and the. greater part af the troops wero marched to tlic station and embarked for home amidst loud cheers from the residents, 'l'lie Te Awnmutu Cavalry return this morning, and the fatigue party wit,h ramp equipage proceed to Auckland by ordinary train. TIIK (.•Q.M.MI.SSAIiIAT. the low price at which the rations were .supplied for the encampment, we have heard on all sides expressions of satisfaction both as to tho quantity and quality of the food. Capt, llobortson, Quartermaster, informed us last evening that he could not sufficiently thank the people of Hamilton, especially the contractor and Capt. Keid, for the manner in which he had been treated with regard to rations and forage, and he handed us the following testimonials which speak for themselves ;— Volunteer Camp, Hamilton, April 212 nd, 1-SSO. —Mr E. T. Davey : Sir, —I have gieat pleasure in certifying that the provisions supplied to this camp under contract for rations, have given the greatest satisfaction; the quality of the various provisions (Meat, Liread, Butter, ite) lias been first, class —John Hobexitsox, Captain and Quarter-.Master. Volunteer Camp, Hamilton, '-'2nd April, ISM 9 Ucid,—l have much pleasure in certifying that the quantities of forage for horses, straw, potatoes, milk and firewood, have been more than sufficient for all requirements, that the attendance of conveyances for baggage, and horses for guns, etc., has boen ample for all requirements.— Jortx BoiiKltrCiON', Captain and Quarter Master. The opinion of all connected with tho encampment is that, oxceptinsr a few minor points, it lias been most successful. In fact it is thought it ought to have lasted longer, in order to allow the man to have more drill.