From the News

Dated: September 10, 1915

Over at Niagara
The writer has the pleasure of visiting the Niagara Military camp last week, and under the protection of our worthy Member of Parliament, Lieut. Tom Magladery, we were privileged to make a short trip through some portions of the immense city of soldiers now under canvas at that beautiful centre. Crossing over from Toronto on the steamer Cayuga, Niagara-on-the-Lake was reached in a trifle over two hours, the lake being almost without a ripple. While passing through Toronto Bay the spectators were able to witness the sailing of a hydroplane, the evolutions of which impressed upon us the wonderful sights which are daily seen on the firing line, when all manner of air crafts are performing all kinds of evolutions. It is not our intention to go into any lengthy description of the Ontario Military Camp, but simply to mention a few of the details which struck us during our short sojourn there.
On nearing the camp of the soldier boy (the first of which happened to be the 37th, to which our friend Tom is attached,) we heard the music from the Regimental Band, and on passing over the hill we were greeted with a most pleasant picture. The entire 37th had been down to the lake for a bathe, and we were in the act of returning, four deep at that time. Passing the sentinel, we were informed that the ranks would be dismissed in a moment or two, and shortly we were shaking hands with Lieutenant Magladery, Captain Ainsley, and other members of the staff. Unfortunately Lieut. Carl Green and Privates Wilder and Hoover were off on leave, but other members known to our readers with whom we had a few words were Corporal Smith and Privates Lyons and Boxall.
Crossing over the field we passed through a bunch of soldiers preparing to play a game of foot ball, and here we had the pleasure of meeting Sargeant Frank Parker and Privates. R. Scott, Rutherford and Batty, all of whom looked fit for anything. A little further on we came to the 58th camp, and here we again met an old friend, in the person of Capt. Jack McKay, who is so well and favorably known in this District.
Owing to the limited time at our disposal, we had to hurry our visit, but on the way back had a look at the trench and bayonet work through which the soldiers pass under the direction of officers directly from the firing line.
We then had the pleasure of dining in the officers' mess, where an excellent, although simple meal was served, which we were informed was exactly similar to that placed before the rank and file, and if ever there has been reason for a kick in connection with the “grub” at the camp there does not appear to be any now. Indeed, we were more than astonished at the happy and healthy appearance of the thousands of soldiers we saw during our brief trip. To the average spectator there is no wonder that the boys from Canada are more than holding their own at the front, when he sees the swing with which the boy who has joined the colors without the threat of compulsion, goes through his exercise, with the grim determination of getting fit to revenge the death of the boys who have gone before.
Free excursions to Niagara Camp to all able-bodied, unmarried men, would have more effect upon recruiting than any method we can think of, because the man who can go to Niagara and see his chums preparing to fight for the Empire and not join the colors, is the rankest kind of a slacker, and we do not think many of those who have not yet joined are in that class. To us it looks very much as though the young men have failed to grasp just what it means and just what would occur should the Allies by any chance be compelled to accept German terms.
The Niagara Camp appears to our mind as a most ideal camp, and the surrounding country is very picturesque indeed. Within a very short distance across the river are the American camps, and old-time block-houses, but, the American soil is forbidden ground to the Canadian Tommie at the present time. The main body of soldiers are camped above the hamlet known as Niagara-on-the-Lake, and in the centre of the camp is a great open field, capable of accommodating a score of base ball games at the same time. This is used for the usual drilling ground, as well as when the various companies or regiments meet in some one of the athletic games, foot ball or base ball being the more popular. These games help the soldiers to pass away the time between drilling, and is one pleasant method they have of getting into the best of physical condition for the strenuous time they will have at the front.
The general impression prevailing was that the 35th, 37th and the 38th at least, would be in England before the end of the month, and every man is ready and anxious to get that much nearer the firing line.
In the meantime, what are the thousands and thousands of young men in Canada going to do about it? Are they going to bum around the street corners, twiddling their thumbs, while Tom, Dick and Jack are doing their bit at the front? Come boys, get in line and fill the places which will soon be vacant at the Niagara Camp.