CHRISTMAS IN CAMP.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15772, 13 December 1916, Page 5

CHRISTMAS IN CAMP.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR LEAVE

YULETIDE DINNER FOR TROOPS

The Christmas arrangements for the soldiers in Trentham and Featherston Training Camps have been practically completed (says Monday's "Dominion."). While the officers and men of the Expeditionary Forces will have leave of long or short duration, tho camps will not bo closed in any sense of tho word, as the usual routine workwill have to be carried "out in preparation for tho incoming of tho Twentyfourth Reinforcements. A few men of this draft will arrive at Trentham beforo Christmas. These recruits had made arrangements to go into camp before tho date of tho mobilisation of tho Twenty-fourth was put back, and havo asked to bo allowed to do so. AH troops in tho camps will bo given an opportunity of taking extended leave from December 21st till January 4th, and will havo the usual facilities provided to enable them to visit their homes. A number, however, who liavo no homo tics, may elect to stay in camp and spend their leave in Wellington and the neighbourhood. All ranks at Trentham arc to be entertained at a Christmas dinner, which is being arranged by the Mayor and Mayoress of Wellington, to be held on December 19th. If the weather is line the tables will be set out of doors in the camp grounds instead of tho men in each half-hutment having a separate table. Tho outdoor arrangement was followed at Mav Morn last year, and was a complete success. The spectaclo of 2000 men assembled at the tables was inspiring.. At Trentham this year there will bo double that number of troops, and it should be a gay and picturesque gathering. Arrangements for entertaining tho soldiers at Christmas dinner are also being made at Featherston. Tho troops in camp at Trentham on December 19th will include the Twentyfirst Infantry and a portion of the Twentieths, as well as „the Engineers and the officers and N.C.O.'s of other drafts and tho headquarters staff. At Featherston will be the Twenty-second and Twenty-tliird Reinforcements and the officers, N.C.O.'s, and men of other units and drafts, and the headquarters staff. It is understood that in both camps such members of the training staff as can be spared at that time will be given Christmas leave. But the regular routine work will go on as I usual.