TERRITORIAL CAMPS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2368, 26 January 1915, Page 6

TERRITORIAL CAMPS

' A NECESSITY OF WATUTTME. It is the common usage of war thai the Armies of combatants should be clothed in uniforms to distinguish them from non-combatants. This rule is generally observed, but there have been instances where it has been neglected— in the Balkans, South Africa (the Boers), and in the American Civil War, where tho Southern Armies were reduced to rags on occasions. In a great war like the present European conflict where millions of men are employed, it is an effort to olothe the forces, but so far they all appear to have observed the rule. In the case of those in training, however, it has been found impossible in England to epuip every recruit straight away, and the pictures exhibited in the kinematograpn, theatres, frequently show large bodies of men drilling in mufti. This may probably be the case this year with oncoming Territorials who will undergo their first camp experience during the present year. Owing to the great amount of clothing needed by the reinforcements the factories engaged m the maßng of uniforms have been kept going at top, and it is feared that they may not be able to provide'new Territorials with uniforms in time for the camps, and these will have to take the course in, mufti. If this situation does arise they will be advised to wear old clothes whilst under canvas, in order to save themselves expense. With shipments of materialto arrive the Defence authorities hope to supply each district with between 400 and 500 denim suits for supply work, cooks, fatigue, etc., and if found necessary, these suits will be washed and passed on from camp to camp. The, camps will be held in the various placed during March and April.