Statun Camp, 1 December 1899. While here I have been kept busy drawing equipment. Fifty-seven mules, sixteen oxen, buck (supply) waggons, water-carts and exercising in their use.
A 'recce' in force left here yesterday. The horses are fast improving after the long sea journey. The 6th Dragoon Guards and 12th Lancers are very taken with our mounts, as was General French when he inspected us.
We are exercising on the veldt - the heat is very great and the soldier ration (British Army) puzzles the New Zealander, but every day he discovers how to make it 'go further'.
The contingents have been kept busy engaging the Boers in skirmishes; some of our horses have somewhat fallen away (in condition).
Two New Zealand Companies with eight guns from the RHA moved on the Boers at Taaisbook. At about 6 a.m. the guns opened fire on Jas fontein farm. During the shelling it was necessary for No 2 Coy to protect the right and rear of the guns by occupying a line of kopjes.
Arandel, 23 December 1899 - a point has arisen about our slouch hats - I will probably requisition for helmets. Several cases have been reported where Colonial troops with slouch hats have been fired upon by our own troops thinking they were Boers.
