EAST COAST MOUNTED RIFLES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2497, 10 May 1909, Page 5

EAST COAST MOUNTED RIFLES.

ANNUAL TRAINING

The East Coast Mounted Rifles are to mi into camp for the annual seven days’ training on Thursday next in the polo paddock, Makauri, which has been kindly placed, at the disposal of Captain Hellier Evans by Lieutenant Witters. The site is a good one, and the large, level paddock will he very suitable for the necessary work. It is expected that there will be between 50 and 60 of all ranks present, including a sergeant and three men from the Tiniroto troop of the B squadron (Harunnia M.R., Wairoa), who wish to do their training here. The camp will be pitched at the north-east end of the paddock, and will comprise 14 tents, besides mess tents, store-rooms, etc. The catering has been lot to .Messrs Clare and Sons.

Captain Hellier Evans has prepared a syllabus for the week’s training, which is to embrace every branch, of instruction. A dismounted and two mounted parades will be held each day, besides the necessary stable, guard, and orderly duties. The first two days will be taken up with squadron drill, etc?* On Saturday the officer commanding 'the regiment. Major Russell, accompanied by the adjutant, Captain Sandtniaim, will inspect the'- squadron and the camp. On Sunday next there will be a church service in camp at 11 a.in. -In the afternoon, if the weather is fine, the squadron will entertain its friends. A hearty invitation to the general public to visit the camp on Sunday afternoon is extended by' the officer commanding. On Monday the squadron will proceed to Ropongaere- (Mr. Chambers’ property) to undergo their annual course of firing, and also to do some field firing. On Tuesday the squadron will be exercised in outposts, rccomiaisntice, and protection, and on Wednesday a field day will be held at Whataupoko, on" the properties of Messrs Black, Willah, and Yi'hite, who have-kindly allowed- the use of their land for the purpose. A tactical scheme has been prepared, and will be given to the junior officers for execution. Lieutenant Hamilton will command' the defending force (red),, and Lieutenant Povnter, with Lieutenant Witters, the attacking force (blue). Captain Evans will act as director and umpire. Thursday morning will he occupied with drill, and after lunch camp will be struck. Lieu-. tenant-Oqlonel Bauehop, C.M.G., officer commanding the district, lias signified his intention, of being present during part of the training.. Captain Evans has been informed that the new short magazine Lee-Enfield rifles, mark L, with which the mounted troops are in future to lie armed, arrived by the Mokoia. They will lie issued to the squadron in camp. This new rifle is five incites shorter and lfib lighter than the old one, and is for those reasons better suited for mounted men. ■ - _ ;