CAMP CONDITIONS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 35, 21 November 1939, Page 2

CAMP CONDITIONS

UNFOUNDED RUMOURS ABROAD. . '' * . STATEMENT BY MINISTER. - (Per Press Association). CHRISTCHURCH, November 20. “Many of the complaints received regarding the camps and the conditions therein are akin to the recent rumour that one of his Majesty’s ships; had been engaged in a naval encounter with a large number of casualtiees, It was idle rumour, containing not a particle of truth.”

This statement was made to-day. by the 'Minister of Defence, the Hoii. F. Jones, when, after inspecting the Burnham military camp, lie issued a warning against individuals making unfounded- reports. His information from the General Staff, he said, was that there appeared to be subversive propaganda going on against conditions in tho camps. - “As Minister and chairman of the Army Board, I have received numerous complaints regarding conditions in the camps occupied by the land forces of the Dominion which constitute part of the Special Force,” said Mi* jonds/ “Tho Chief of the General Staff has informed me that there appears to be subversive propaganda going’ on against the conditions in the various camps. He has personally inquired into a large number of complaints and has found most of them to be untrue whilo others have been most iiiaceu--rate. Such propaganda is not helpful aild has a tendency to hamper the work of the military authorities. The staff has a big job and is working as a team towards a common goal.” " The commanding officers and their subordinates, the Minister,, said, had had impressed upon them the necessity for ensuing the welfare of their \ men in every respect. The officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the Special Force had never before had better conditions than those with which they were now provided. 'f “It is my wish and also that-of the • other members of the Army Board that individuals should in future bo m*re careful in lodging complaints against camp conditions unless such complaints are founded on fact and can be substantiated,” said Air, Jones. “Responsible individuals representing the people will be given every opportunity of inspecting any of the camps and seeing for themselves the conditions which are provided for the men. The officers commanding districts will make the necessary arrangements with-the camp authorities to permit of -- these inspections being made.” . t _ -