THE VOLUNTEERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2474, 13 April 1909, Page 5

THE VOLUNTEERS.

EASTER CAMPS

[Per Press Association.]

DANNEVIRKE, April 40. The camp at Oringa is now fully organised. The work appointed uy Lieu.Col. Bauchop, officer commanding, is in course of being carried out. It is estimated that there are close upon 2000 men under canvas. The camp occupies a sheltered position and is a magnificent parade ground. Various companies are now taking up positions of strategical importance in different parts of the district.

CHRISTCHURCH, April 10. Twelve hundred volunteers from Canterbury, North and South, are in camp ■at Mount Somers, in Ashburton County. A muddle occurred in regard to the time of the train, starting from Christchurch, and some companies waited on t l 'o platform more than- an hour. The engine taking the train from Ashburton to Mount Somers ran short of water near Valetta, and had to be filled with buckets from an adjacent creek. Much time was lost in consequence.

AUCKLAND, April 10.

The weather was beautifully "fine on Good’Friday, gud gave a fine opening for the volunteer manoeuvres, which are taking place on a large scale at the forts, harbor and at Morrinsville.

' ASHBURTON, April 11. The annual. Easter manoeuvres of thq Canterbury Volunteers are being held this year at Mount Somers, where 1185 men are encamped. Active opera'Ans commenced on Good Friday, hut the work was of an instructional nature only and was much curtailed owing to a break down in the Railway transport arrangements. The train bringing three-quarters of the troops being five hours late in arriving on account of insufficient engine power. To-day’s work comprised an attack on the outposts, with a view of testing their ’“vigilance and efficiency of methods of communication. A later manoeuvre which developed into a rearguard action was commenced, the idea being that the mounted brigade was attacking the infantry and battery. The scene of operations was the river bed, a low, wide plain, which was fringed with downs and plateaux. The road ran parallel with the river and along this the infantry had previously advanced. The mounted brigade fought an engagement against a battery of guns and infantry. The force was then ordered to retire. A portion of the mounted force could be seen moving about km the lowlyifig hills to the south, hut the direction of their advance was uncertain. The retiring infantry force had to guard against a flank movement by the-enemy which might have .possibly cut them off from the camp, and to prevent this forces scouted in open order under cover, at right angles to the road, each flank commanding the river bed and plateau on each side of it. r i he rearguard action was successfully carried out. the mounted brigade failing to outflank tho defenders., who retired to camp in good order. This afternoon field practice with ball cartridge took place, all arm-carrying sections participating. Colonel Robin was present yesterday. THE MANAAVATU CAMP. PALMERSTON, April 12. The Rifle Clubs’ camp broke up on Saturday afternoon. The men engaged in skirmishing attacks on the fixed targets firing very deadly, the average befng 20 hits out of 25. Colonel Collins expressed himself as well satisfied with the work done, and said the men were visibly improved. _ OPERATIONS AT GORE. i GORE, April 11. Easter manoeuvres were carried out yesterday under better conditions, though still squally. The country covered by general advances was very rugged and precipitous, necessitating the of tactics as in Indian warfare. To-day field firing was carried out.