First Infantry Battalion plans takeover of Forbury Park

Dignitaries returning from Stewart Island on the Theresa Ward after the vice-regal visit. From...
Dignitaries returning from Stewart Island on the Theresa Ward after the vice-regal visit. From left: Mr R. A. Anderson, chairman of the Bluff Harbour Board, Sir Joseph Ward, His Excellency, Lord Islington and his Worship the Mayor of Invercargill, Mr W.A. Ott. - <i>Otago Witness</i>, 25.1.1911. COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM STAR STATIONERY SHOP, LOWER STUART ST, OR WWW.OTAGOIMAGES.CO.NZ
On Saturday at 3 p.m. the First Infantry Battalion paraded at the Garrison Hall, and marched thence to Forbury Park, where it is the intention of the Battalion to put in a week under canvas.

On arrival at the park the men at once made a start erecting the tents, and, despite the heavy wind blowing, soon had things in excellent order.

In the evening a lecture was given by the officer commanding to the other officers on camp duties and discipline, also on the work to be done during the week.

Reveille was sounded at 6 a.m. on Sunday morning, breakfast being served at 7 and at 9 a.m. the battalion and the Cycle Corps paraded for divine service, conducted by Chaplain-captain R.E. Davies, who gave a very interesting discourse, exhorting the soldiers to quit themselves like men on all occasions and under any circumstances.

The battalion then put in an hour in executing different movements in close order, and from 11.30 to 12.45 each company went through exercises in skirmishing under the control of its own officers.

General leave was granted on Sunday afternoon.

From this morning onwards till Friday night, when the battalion breaks camp, reveille will be sounded at 4.30 a.m., work commencing at 5 a.m.; breakfast at 6.30.

Tea will be served at 6 p.m.; parade at 7.

The officers will have control of their own companies, and the men will be exercised morning and evening in skirmishing, fire control, and fire discipline.

After the evening parade officers commanding companies will give short lectures to their divisions. the following is the parade state:

-Staff: Major McAra, in command; Captain Douglas, acting adjutant; Lieut. Moncrieff, uartermaster. One sergeant-major, one quartermaster-sergeant, one sergeant bugler.

A Company - Lieutenants Moller and Neill, 39 rank and file, - total 41.

C Company - Lieutenants Melville and Gallaway, 21 rank and file, - total 23.

E Company - Captain Fordham, and Lieutenant Lusk; 18 rank and file, - total 20.

F Company - Captain Price, Lieutenants Dobson and Ewen; 15 rank and file, - total 18.

G Company - Lieutenant Cushe, 30 rank and file, - total 31.

Band - 11 rank and fileGrand battalion parade - 150.

The officers and men are accommodated in 30 tents, pitched just in front of the people's grandstand, and everything bears a neat and clean appearance. The conduct of the men has been most exemplary. The troops take their meals in a room under the people's stand and the officers in the stewards' stand.

- ODT, 25.1.1911.

 

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