BURNHAM CAMP.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 30, 15 November 1939, Page 4

BURNHAM CAMP.

INSPECTED BY LOCAL AUTHORITIES. MAGNITUDE OF THE WORK. f Local authorities throughout Canterbury carried out an inspection of Burnham Camp yesterday under the auspices of the Canterbury Patriotic Fund Council to ascertain the requirements of the troops that might be met by payments from the funds. The party also investigated reports of serious sickness among the men and were reassured on several points in this respect. It was pointed out that the dust from the parade grounds had had a good deal to do with the amount of sickness in the camp and that steps to eliminate the nuisance would be started to-day: “Those letters and rumours on the unsatisfactory conditions at the camp remind me very much of the report of Mark Twain’s death—they are grossly exaggerated,” said the Mayor of Ashburton ('Dr. G. I. Miller), at the end of the visit. “I think the work that has been done in a short time will be a monument to the efficiency of the Minister for Public Works’ and his staff. The facilities for attending to the health of the men,' such as hospital equipment, lavatoriesj, etjc., is quite sufficient to satisfy the requirements of a high standard of hygiene.” .Stating his opinion, the chairman of the Ashburton County Council (Mr ‘H. J. Crothers) said: “One cannot help but be impressed with the magnitude of the work, the very fine spirit and general fitness of the men and the amenities provided for their recreation. It all goes to show that the authorities are doing the very best to make the men as happy as possible.” The Town Clerk (Mr R. C. Major) and the County Clerk (Mr G. Kelly) also took part in the inspection.