11

H.—9a

sentries out. In one case a whole piquet was disposed as sentries. In another case a piquet and its sentries were posted at the head of a deep ravine running far into the position instead of being on the projecting spurs. The guns were distributed in three sections at different points, instead of being held in reserve for combined action at the most threatened point ; and actually the first shot fired from the line of outposts was from one of these guns, thus showing to the reconnoitring force at once one of the things they were most anxious to discover. Directly the attacking force had induced the defenders to open fire, and when they found that that fire extended all along the line of defence, it became of course apparent that the defenders were prepared, and the task for the moment of the reconnoitring force was completed. There were two grave cases of misconduct which were dealt with. I have no doubt but that each of the offenders feels deep regret in having brought discredit on himself and his corps, but it would be very unwise to deal leniently with them. The good conduct and tone of the camps depend on each individual present in the camp. lam certain that this is generally felt, and that the men have sufficient pride in themselves and their corps to keep them from doing anything which would destroy the good feeling which should exist throughout. The whole discipline depends on the spirit prevailing amongst the men. Directly a bad spirit is shown it must be dealt with in a summary manner.

Palmerston Camp. Mounted Corps.

It was decided this year to have a separate camp for the Mounted Corps in the Wellington District at Palmerston North. The various corps mustered but poorly, the W T airoa Mounted Eifles and the Manawatu Mounted Eifles (the local corps) being the only corps bringing more than half their strength. I visited the camp on Good Friday, and witnessed some manoeuvres. As was only to be expected, there was very little knowledge shown of outpost and reconnoitring duties. During the subsequent days good work was done. The conduct in camp was excellent.

Mahanga Bay Camp. Strength of Corps.

The Naval Artillery Volunteers of the Wellington District went into camp at Mahanga Bay, so that instruction might be given to officers and men in gunnery and submarine mining. There was but a poor muster of each corps. The men of the "Wellington Navals did good work with the guns ; those of the Petone Navals received some elementary instruction in signalling, electricity, and boat drill. It is much to be regretted that want of a properly-fitted launch prevented any work being attempted in laying out mines. The conduct of the men was excellent.

DUNEDIN. Camp of two Local Corps.

Corps. Officers. N.C. Officers and Men. Total. Alexandra Cavalry Bangitikei Cavalry ■ Hawera Mounted Eifles Wairoa Mounted Eifles Heretaunga Mounted Eifles Manawatu Mounted Eifles 3 3 2 2 3 3 26 22 21 37 18 36 29 25 23 39 21 39 Totals 16 160 176

Corps. Officers. o | o^ Men. Total. Wellington Navals Petone Navals ... 4 3 6 3 38 26 48 32 Totals 64 80

Corps. Officers. Bank and File. Total. Dunedin Navals ... Dunedin Engineers 4 8 41 26 45 29 Totals 67 74