CAMP GOVERNMENT

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 75, 25 September 1918, Page 6

CAMP GOVERNMENT

DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITY

THE SYSTEM EXPLAINED.

There has been some discussion lately as to changes in relation to the command, control, end division of ■ responsibilities of Trentham and Featheraton- Camps; and ■ some statements have been mado which convey a wrong impression. Upon enquiry at Headquarter* a Post reporter learned that, the -subject was considered at a conference held in July by the General Officer Commanding, at which head* of branches and the Camp Commandants were present. .

.. The'matter was then placed upon a definite basis, arid orders were issued setting forth very clearly the duties and responsibilities of the officers concerned, and: especially emphasising the importance on the part of both administrative and training staffs of learning to know the men under their command, and inculcating discipline and the ' soldierly spirit. The substance of these orders may be stated as follows:— „

The Chief of the General Staff is responsible to the General Officer Commanding for the co-ordination and inspection of all work, training and administrative, of Trentham and. JTeatherston Camps. He is also responsible for the preparation and issue of all training programmes, concerning which he will consult with chief instructors. Heads of branches at General Headquarters are responsible to the General Officei- Commanding for the inspection and performance of the purely technical side of the duties of .the sections of their respective branches in camps. The Camp Commandant is responsible,to the Chief of the General Staff for the performance of his duties.

The Camp Comihandant is responsible foy the entire command, control, and administration of his oamp under the laws, regulations', orders, and instructions in force; for the efficiency, discipline, and performance of his duties ,o£ every officer, non-commissioned officer, man, and civilian in his camp; and for proper care being taken of all Government moneys arid property on charge to the camp. He is f responsible that constant endeavours •are made to reduce waste of all kinds, on which /he will keep close check and record. It is the duty of the Camp Commandant to submit sucif suggestions on matters out of his own control as he may consider will tend to increased efficiency or economy in.the working of the New Zealand Training Cample The Chief Instructor of eaoh arm is responsible to the Camp Commandantfor the methods and' efficiency of the training of the reinforcements placed under him for instruction. /He will, ensure that the training is strictly in accordance with the Official Manuals, and on the programme prescribed by the of, the General. Staff. _ He will every endeavour to'keep himself and his instructors up to date. He will make suggestions for improvements in the 1 whenever -possible. He will report to' the Cfimp Commandant if training is unduly interfered with by administrative work. ':". , „.

It is the.primary duty' of the Instructional Staff.-to inculcate discipline ami to cultivate the . soldierly spirit. This portion of the soldier's training is of the highest importance. Instruction is not to be limited 'to parade hours. .Instructors will obtain an individual knowledge of all ranks placed under them for instruction;. they mwst be known to the men as 'Something more than martinets of the parade, ground." The Instructional Staff will assist the Administrative Staff in seeing that officers and n.n.o.'s both know how to, and do, look after their men whilst in camp. ; The Administrative Staff is responsible for assisting the Instructional Staff in teaching the soldier the routine duties of military life. , They are responsible for ensuring that every officer, n.c.0., and man knows what he has to do in camp, how to do it, and that he actually does it. I*he Administrative Staff, equally with the Instructional Staff,' are responsible for instructing the soldier in military discipline and the soldierly spirit. The contact of the Administrative Staff with officers, n;C.o.s, and men is not limited to parades and official interviews in offices only. Administrative Staff Officers must go round for themselves and gain an individual knowledge of all ranks -u'ndev training. ft is'their duty to ascertain vvhei-e difficulties, even though they be imaginary, exist in the camp,' in order that they may take action, themselves,-or place the matter before the Camp Commandant for decision.