The Hussars held a very enjoyable smoke concert in their mess room at the camp, Tahuua Park, on Thursday night. A number of civilians were present by invitation. Tho evening was pleasantly whiled away in the usual free and ! easy manner, and a nutnbsr of songs and recita tions were given, which were most heartily re-' ceived. Towards the end of the concert the alarm was unexpectedly sounded, and a stampede at once took place—every hussar, no matter what his enjoyable occupation was at that minute, throwing it aside and rushing with all speed to his post. The officers were also on the alert, and gave orders in a calm and clear way which greatly helped the men. After falling in the men were served with ammunition, and were then marched off with all speed to the sandhills. Here one squad extended in skirmishing order, another being left in reserve in the rear. The first squad then retired, and the second ad vanced and extended in the same manner. Heavy firing was kept up all the time. The "retire" was shortly afterwards 6ounded, and on reaching the camp Captain Chaffey addressed his men, complimenting them on their smartness in turning out. He had timed them, and found that from the sound of the alarm till the first shot wa3 fired was only nine minutes. The men were then dismissed. This sham fight proved a very satisfactory affair, and the visitors were loud in their praises as to the manner in which the men had acquitted themselves.
