TRENTHAM INQUIRY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXV, Issue 8206, 2 August 1915, Page 5

TRENTHAM INQUIRY.

EVfDSNCE AT THE CAMP

HUTMENTS AND HOSPITALS

WELLINGTON, August 1

The Trentham Camp Commission took evidence at the camp yesterday in the V.M.C.A. Hall. Before the sitting commenced the- Commissioners inspected certain portions of the camp regarding which evidence had been given.

John' Connor, a private in the Trentham Regiment, 2nd Battalion, said lie came into camp on May 29, and had to wait three hours for his kit, finally receiving it at 11 p.m. There was evidently a shortage of underclothing, as they were given only one net at that time, though they had been told that they should have two. He was in the

Ist Btntalion in the first place, and was not overcrowded in his hutment. Many other hutments, however, were overcrowded, and .some had no shelves, doors, or windowß. When he was transferred to the 2nd Battalion he occupied a hut in which there were about 70 men. The doot;s and windows had just been put in after a fortnight's occupation. Witness remarked that, in the opinion of several men,.they had top much fatigue work, sometimes doing six hours in a day. , Digging drains and so oh was not pleasant when the' ground was very wet and they- had only one pair of boots. The men complained not because the work was hard, but because it was not the work they had come in for. Witness had been ill at the racecourse, Wellington Hospital, and Ivaiwarawara, and had no complaint regarding his treatment. On returning-to camp, he had been sent as orderly to the camp. For this he saw no reason, as ho was quite fit to rejoin ( his regiment. ; ' Trooper Lawrence Goring described his experience when he became sick with measles. He was sent to a marquee pitched on wet ground. He obtained some straw, and lay down on it. He lay there for three days, and was then removed to a loose-box at the racecourse, where the meals were 'better, though irregular, through lack or orderlies.

■ Surgeon-Captain Crawford gave, evidence regarding the illness of Private Ernest Smith, of Cliristchurch. Witness received an urgent message, and found Smith in a state of collapse. The patient was placed in the meningitis .ward, and next day developed bronchial pneumonia. It was incorrect to say Smith was not properly dressed while in bed. . . : At this stiigcMrSkerrott said, tins caso would ba ■further:investigated. _ A number of soldiers taken.at random from those about the camp were examined as to camp conditions generally, and particularly as to the treatment in cases of illness. The Commission then adjourned till Monday morning.