MILITARY SCHEME.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXII, Issue 28, 2 August 1911, Page 10

MILITARY SCHEME.

CONCERNING CAMPS. SOME SUGGESTIONS. (Specially Written for The Post.) Regimental and battalion camps will, in the not far distant future, become a leading feature in the training of the young Territorial, and the.»e camps will undoubtedly exercise a considera-ble influence on the popularity or otherwise of compulsory training. In a camp whore everything is well arranged tho routine work goes like clockwork, and men are cheerful, happy, and contented. Under the&e circumstances good work i» done, and valuable training is imparted. But. unfortunately, this is not always the cafia. Instances h?.«! been known where the arrangements were defective and hardships had to be endured which there was no necessity for, and which could have been averted by a little forethought. As the annual camp becomes more 'and more a. part of the life of the young men of the Dominion, there is no reason why it should not be looked forward to as a pleasant break in the monotony of civil life, and in after years looked back to with pleasure and affection. REGIMENTAL INSTITUTE. One institution which every regiment feTid battalion should make a particular feature of is tho regimental institute. Some non-military readers may enquire, What is a regimental institute? It is a Soft of club, generally housed in a mftrquee, to which the soldier can betake himself during hie hours of relaxation. The affairs of the institute are managed by a, committee elected throughout tho re^irilent. It is generally managed in connection with the dry canteen, which, as everyone knows, is the regimental stove where groceries, tobacco, and other articles can be obtained. A well-conducted regimental institute would cons.'et of two marquees, in one of which would be a piano, seating accommodation, and tables. In this would be served in the evening tea, coffee, aoup, etc., besides bread and butter and cold meats, so th/it the men would have an opportunity; if they so desired, of supplementing the Govern.nent rations at fixed rates. At 0113 end of the marquee a email stage or platform could be erected for the accommodation of performers of song and dance, for it is surprising what a lot of unsuspected ' talent appeals on such occasions. The second marquee should bo furnished with chairs and a few tables, and should be a. quieter place than that already described. Here would be found the daily and weekly newspapers, pens, ink, and stationery for thotse who wish to write letteis, while euch games as draughts, chess, and bagatelle should be proyideo. Well managed by a good chairman and an eneigetic committee the regimental institute should prove one of the most attractive items of camp life : ifc provides the soldier with a comfortable resort in camp after the day's work is completed; it encourages the spirit of esprit de corps and camaraderie which js of such valuable assistance in lorming the tone and good feeling which ought to pervade every regiment. It also induces men to stay in camp in the evening, and forms a strong counterattraction to the joye of the local publichouse. All the provisions (should be provided at as low a cost as possible, and only sufficient profit made to be sure of a balance on ths right side : any profits that may remain after the camp is broken up are, of course, the property of the regiment, and should be disposed of so as to benefit the men belonging to the regiment. To do all this requires, of course, organisation, forethought, and method. A regiment wishing to sUtrt a regimental inrtitute should sot about )t 111 good time, and select a capable committee so that everything' May be arranged for and all plans made before, , the day fixed for going into camp arrives. Commanding officers should en« coirrage the regimental mstitute, for it will, when properly looked after and properly managed, be found an aid to discipline— that best of all discipline which is founded on public opinion; for if men ate well looked after and their wants and comforts attended to they will be cheerful ard Contented and take an interest in their wovk, and there will be no excuse provided for giumbling and discontent, which so oftfn opens the door to acts of wilful neglect of duty and insubordination. COMFORT OF THE MEN. The system of compulsory service ts on its trial in New Zealand, and nothing should be neglected, nothing left undone which ca-n in any way tend to further its ultimate success. The object of tho annual camp is. of course, to train tho men 111 the Use of arms and in irn> essentials of the military profession, Tj'ib if this can be assisted by any means I possible then these means should receive a fair trial. The comfort of the ln «" Mi camp is one of the first things that officers should attend to, for, if hard work is expected from the troops during the day— and ha?d work will bfe expected of them daring their period -In camp— they should be made as comioiv able as circumstances will permit during the evening, ahd should have something better to look forward to after a hard days .work than the hospitality that is affords by a crowded' bell tent.