Cambridge's own WWI Camp, at Hautapu

[Dave Homewood]

Here's an article about the Army training camp that was set up at Hautapu, north Cambridge, in World War one:

HAUTAPU CAMP.

DAY'S WORK OF A SOLDIER.

BIG GUNS AT PRACTICE. SIGNAL

STATIONS ESTABLISHED.

By Telegraph.—Special to "Star."
HAUTAPU CAMP, this day.

Full advantage was taken yesterday of a fine day to get in good work. The troops did not return to camp till tea time. Seven machine guns were used, and the various brigade's received useful instruction under Captain Wallingford. To-day the troops are carrying out firing practice as a brigade.

Yesterday "D" and "E" Squadrons of the 4th (Waikato) Mounted Rifles held a patrol competition on the rifle range for the East Coast Shield. 'E" Squadron team was successful.

Last night the members of the Artillery Brigade gave a concert in the Y.M.C.A. tent. It was well attended, and an entertaining programme was much appreciated.

There was a little trouble with one of tlie infantry regiments at tea time last evening, but the officers soon got matters in hand. The conduct of the camp as a whole has been particularly good, and the military police duties have not been very arduous.

Last night Colonel Logan and the officers of the Division held a conference in connection wrLh the insrpection and field day on Thursday and Friday, when Sir lan Hamilton will be present.

The Artillery Brigade, with eight guns. under Major Sherson, moved off in the direction of Tauwhare at nine o'clock this morning to do their annual field firing. Two hundred rounds per gun were served out.

Both mounted and infantry units are training as bnigades today, and tomorrow there will be a rehearsal of Friday's field operations.

A touching incident ocurred last evening as the "A" Battery was returning to camp. A little boy. about seven years of age, stood by the roadside handing apples to the men as they passed. One horse lashed out and kicked him on the chest. Luckily he was not hurt much. On their return to camp the men had a whip-round, and a substantiall sum was raised and handed to Captain McGilp, with the request that he make a presentation to the little chap as a mark of appreciation from the men of his kindness to them.

Tonight the band of the 3rd (Auckland) Mounted Rifles give a concert in the Cambridge Town Hall in aid of the funds fof the Beautifying Society.

The Divisional Signalling Company is doing good work. Stations have been established, extending from the camp to Morrinsville, via Matangi and Scotchman's Valley, and constant inter-commuincation is being kept up day and night by flags, helios and lamps

THE SHAM FIGHT.
(By Telegraph—Own Correspondent.) CAMBRIDGE, this day.

The weather conditions have been perfect in camp. The machine gun sections are operating on the Horahora Road. The enemy are coming from the direction of Tirau, and are being held in check by the 6th Haurakis. The mounted men, under Lieut. Ranstead, came into action at top gallop, giving thrilling exhibitions of horsemanship under service conditions, riding down steep ravines. The batteries have gone out for live shell firing. The infantry are still skirmishing round the foot of Maungakawa.

[Dave Homewood]

By the way these articles were from the Auckland Star dated 5 May 1914.

I knew that there was a very large Army Camp at hautapu in WWI, but this is a few months before the war began which is news to me. I had assumed Hautapu had sprung up as an Army camp because of the war, not before it. but then Cambridge was set up as a military town so perhaps there was always an Army presence here before WWI? Not sure, must look into it.

Hautapu had to be closed due to the ground being too boggy when it rained and by WWII the local Army Camp was a but closer to town at the racecourse on Taylor Street.

It seems odd now to think about it but I guess back then, nearly a century ago, Cambridge was used to soldiers walking the streets. no doubt the MP's came into the pubs at closing time and all that sort of thing you associate with military towns. Interesting stuff.