MUD, DUCKBOARDS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 173, 24 July 1941, Page 8

MUD, DUCKBOARDS

CAMP CONDITIONS

IMPROVEMENT AT AVONDALE

Although the heavy rain of the past two days has made conditions unpleasant at the Avondale territorial camp, the military authorities are taking all steps possible for the comfort of the men. The rain caused flooding in some portions of the grounds, chiefly in the centre of the oval, but the use of duckboards about the tents had effected a considerable improvement by to-day.

When steady ram set in yesterday morning and some of the men's tents were surrounded by a sea of mud, a decision was made to move the men and their belongings to the public grandstand. Not all the tents were affected at this stage. In the evening, when conditions had not improved, some of the men were given the chance to g9 home for the night and others to join those accommodated in the grandstands.

However, the majority of the men were content to stay in their quarters, although a handful refused to accept the temporary accommodation and walked out of the camp without authority. They had all returned this morning.

Visited to-day In the middle of a heavy downpour the camp presented a cheerless appearance, but it was apparent that everything possible was being done for the comfort of the men. Outdoor activities were reduced to a minimum, and any men whose duties took them abroad were equipped with waterproof capes. Instruction was continued indoors, the men being given lectures.

The worst of tne surface water near the tents had been removed by drains, and duckboards had been laid so that the men could reach their tents from the asphalt parade ground with the minimum of discomfort. All the tents have wooden floors, raised about four inches above the ground.

One of the causes of discomfort in the tents is the fact that, in accordance with military custom, the entrances all face the east to secure the maximum of sunshine, and avoid the prevailing wind. Unfortunately the rain has been driving from the east, and it has been found impossible to keep the portion of the tents inside the flap dry. The mess tents appear to be standing up to the rain well.

A temporary drying shed has been fitted up in the stables, but although many of the men have been able to dry wet clothing in front of the braziers, it has been impossible to provide sufficient accommodation for all greatcoats and other clothing in the camp.

There have been remarkably few cases of illness among the men. A few cases of colds have been treated while a few with symptoms of mild influenza have been sent home until they recover. The men appear to be bearing cheerfully with the unfortunate conditions which have developed. / Brigadier Bell's Visit

Brigadier P. H. Bell, D.5.0.. officer commanding the northern military district, visited the camp during the morning, at a time when rain was falling heavily, and he found that conditions were not nearly as bad as had been feared. Arrangements had been made for anv men who desired to return to their homes for the night. Those who could not reach their homes, but who wished to leave the camp, were to be accommodated in the Carrie hostel.

Despite last night's heavy rain the inside of the sleeping Quarters was reasonably dry, and* offers of exft e , °f . dr y blankets for those which had become damp resulted in the return to the store of only 14 blankets "Actually," said BrigadierBell, "there is quite good sleeping accommodation in the various grand-