BURNHAM CAMP TO-DAY

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25554, 23 July 1948, Page 11

BURNHAM CAMP TO-DAY

CHANGE FROM WAR YEARS MANY BUILDINGS; FEW PERSONNEL With the possibility that military service may be introduced, Burnham Camp may again present the animated scenes so familiar to the thousands of soldiers who passed through the camp between 1939 and 1946. At present the three main blocks have an air of desolation. Early this week the name of the camp was changed from Burnham Mobilisation Camp to Southern Military District Training Camp.

Burnham is at present in the hands of a staff of about 200, who attend to the many routine duties of maintaining such an area of vacant buildings, guarding stores and keeping equipment in order.

All vehicles, except a few required for general use, have been called in from areas throughout the South Island, and there are about 900 trucks, from the 15 cwt “bug” to the massive five-tonner, in the vehicle holding park. Some months ago there was a public demand for the release of these vehicles for commercial uses, but the majority are purely military trucks. In any case they will almost certainly be required for training* purposes. Most of the vehicles are in excellent mechanical repair, but canvas covers and other exterior fittings have deteriorated under the influence of the weather. It is next to impossible to protect the vehicles from the weather, for to provide adequate cover for such a large number would require a vast building. Many exposed parts have been greased or painted, to minimise the effects of the weather.

To keep the engines in good order it had been the practice to run each vehicle about 15 miles each month, but when petrol rationing was introduced it was decided to run the motors only and not move the vehicles. So far no major repairs have had to be made to thtf engines.

Maintenance Difficulties The establishments for maintaining the vehicles are by no means full, and the few mechanics engaged have little spare time. According to an officer, insufficient men are available for the work, although the rates of pay are as good as those the ordinary tradesman receives. Supplies of spare parts are being gradually built up, but like the commercial firms the ordnance stores have to take what is available. Much bigger reserves of spares will be necessary when training starts. The workshops are fairly well provided for in the way of tools and other repair equipment. All buildings not in use, and they comprise by far the greater proportion of the camp, are locked, and through the windows can be seen various articles left by departing troops. The wet and dry canteens are still in use, although naturally the turnover is small. Troops and public works staff find recreation in the Y.M.C.A. hall, and the camp theatre is also open. There are also a number of recreation grounds still in use. Special attention is paid to the numerous flower gardens and shrubberies which dot the camp. The previous commander of the Southern Military District (Brigadier E. T. Rbwllings) ordered the gardens to be laid out so that they would serve to a certain extent to allay dust in summer. According to troops who have been in camp for several summers the gardens have served their purpose admirably. Recently an army engineering unit has been erecting houses and flats from materials used in camp buildings which have been dismantled. So far four buildings have been occupied by member's of the camp staff and their families, and more are under construction. Budding gardens and the familiar fowl house give the impression of being something far removed from a military camp.