YOUTH IN CAMP

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 48, 20 November 1925, Page 14

YOUTH IN CAMP

A DAY AT TRENTHAM

HAPPY ARMY LIFE ‘(Come on, old man, hop up. It’s gone six-thirty, you know.” “Well, what if it has?” demanded the other drowsily. “I don’t start work till 9 do I? Go away, for goodness sake, and let me get some sleep,” and with a yawn the fair-haired youth turned over on his side and began to snore again. How much longer he would have continued to snore is hard to say, had it not been for a bell that began suddenly to clang all round, lhen in a moment he opened his eyes and started as something came before his mind. At home, it was-true, he stayed in bed till just on 9 o’clock, when lie would jump up at the last niniute. have a bath, swallow his tea, and rush to business as fast as he could go. Here, however, things were different. The bell said, “Get up at once,’ and one had to get up immediately. Bor armv life, it must be said, is vastly different to the life at home.

Scenes such as this, when the rising bell rang for the first time in Trentham camp yesterday, were not infrequent. Very few youths, sixty of whom shared a hut together, were used to being ordered out of bed by a bell that issued a peal of commands so early. Still the experience was novel, and they rather liked it. So out they scrambled, all of them, some singing, some whistling, them, some singing, others whistling, as they ran towards the showed. The morning was .an ideal one. None could wish for better. High up over the greencapped hills a golden ball of fire shed its raws below, and made everything look bright for miles around. The air was fresh and clear and sweet, and the boys took in deep draughts as they went about with happy gusto. Quickly they began to dress, and when 7.13 arrived all were waiting impatiently around the mess table to be served. Along came big steaming trays of sausages and potatoes, followed by bread and butter, with cups of tea as well. Conversation ceased, at all events for the time being, as the lads were hungry and rushed to satisfy their appetites. 'There was plenty to eat and drink, for the seven cooks that prepare meals in the Trentham kitchen had been up early anticipating just what boys can do on their first morning in a training camp. After the meal was over they wandered around for a few minutes, taking in the various scenes that met their eyes. Canteen sheds, white-painted huts, ordnance stores, and many other buildings came in view. Then those who had not shaved before went hurriedly and did so', for all wanted to be spick and span on the morning of their first parade. At 8.30 the bugle sounded, and every man made for his company. Orders were given and executed promptly. Some marched over to the rifle range for musketry practice, while others did physical culture or certain set jobs, as the case might be. Still, each was happy in his new environment, friendships having been quickly made by those who yesterday seemed strangers, but weft now real chums in their new surroundings. "Well, how do you like the new life?” inquired a representative of The Dominion of a University student who was sitting on a stove outside the cooks' kitchen, clad in dungarees and singlet, peeling potatoes. He grinned cheerfully. “It’s great! Really it is. Before I came here I was one of the chaps who didn’t want to go to drill. Thought it was silly to have this sort of stuff going on in times of peace. Now things arc different. We’re a real happy' lot. I don't usually rise until well after nine, but this morning I was up bright and early with the rest. It’s nothing more than a great holiday, combining business with pleasure. I’m helping cook to-day, though I’ll be drilling with the rest to-morrow, I suppose. You see, some of us take this thing in turns.”

“So' vou’re glad to be away from the ordinary everyday routine, eh?” “You bet I am. Plenty to eat and drink, with good healthy open exercise to follow, and nothing to worry about. It’ll do me every time.”

Almost everyone encountered during an inspection of the camp spoke the same of those in command. High praise is given .all the officers, who were voted “jolly good fellows” of the right)style. When off parade a great spirit of cordiality exists between them and rank and file, but when drilling orders are orders, and things are done unhesitatingly in military style. During yesterday quite a lot was accomplished. Various exercises were put through smartly, and different platoons did different work. The big gymnasium was full of happy youth, while out in the open, on the clean green meadows of sprouting grass many parades were going on. Two platoons did quite a lot of target practice, and by the afternoon some boys who had not handled a rifle before were able to joyously exclaim they had hit a “bull.” Captain Armstrong, a distinguished soldier, was seen issuing orders and teaching the' lads to shoot. "They’re great boys,” he volunteered. “Really they are. One could not wish for a finer lot. They put plenty of “pep” into their work, and when finished amuse themselves in various ways. Although they arc only young, and some of them have never been away from home before, they’re acting splendidly.” Colonel Evalt. is in charge of the men, there being a battalion, comprising a headquarters /wing, four companies, each company having a platoon. Thirty-two officers conduct affairs, mostly young men, who make soldier- . ing a pleasure as well as a business. “There is no need for people to worry about the boys,” was the opinion given by the camp'adjutant. “Everything is being done for'them. They work seven hours a day, and after that do practically what they like. Such a thing as restricting harmless pleasures is never thought of. A picture show goes on every night, being run by the Y.M.C-A. It costs sixpence to see a very up-to-date film, and that is far cheaper than outside. Then there is the billiard room. This is always full, though the gymnasium seems to have most followers. These chaps love exercise. They don’t seem to be able to get enough of, that’s the trouble. Of course, this is only our first day, and several things have got to be put in sjiape, but still we ’are doing prettv well considering. On Saturday night we are having a boxing championship. Different sections will select their men, and a large number are sure to turn up. On Sunday church services will be held and in the afternoon from 1 to 6 anyone can come along to see their friends. Eor that matter they can come now! We don’t really mind so long as permission is asked. Our band will be playing, and you can depend upon it things' will be very pleasant. \ Ou Monday night there will be a dance. This will probably attract great crowds, as the boys love to jazz. There are dozens and dozens of gramophones all over the camp. So in the evening when drill is over and’ dinner has digested we will probably be jazzing all over the place. Several have

violins and others stringed instruments so no one will be short of music.” All the Territorials, it was discovered, are being paid' 4s. a day while in camp, which ends on Wednesday next. They are all spick and span and say they love the life. As the ’Varsity boy said: “It will be a real good holiday aiid help to build them up.” Out in the open air all day long, with the sun tanning cheeks and cool breezes expanding the chests, these youths will be benefited in such a way as to make,them all the better when training ends. The lads are being built up as fine, healthy, vigorous men, at the same time learning what is necessary to know in case of future war. Boys who have in some cases been confined to office stools all day long are now in big open spaces, living, in the pure air. They are well provided for. The huts in which Territorials sleep (lights are extinguished at 10.15) are good and clean, and should rain fall there is no chance of their catching cold. Tents are not used, as adverse weather. would bring hardship upon Cadets. When they leave camp on Wednesday there will be many who wish it possible to remain longer, for soldiering as done at Trentham not only goes to make men as efficient as in any other nart of the world, but at the same* time strikes up a snirit of friendship tliat is always good to have.