COSTLY ENTHUSIASM

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 19, 22 July 1932, Page 9

COSTLY ENTHUSIASM

VOLUNTEERS IN BIVOUAG

RATIONS OVERDRAWN

~ Enthusiasm oa. the part of the volunteers of- the Ist Battalion, Auckland Begimont, for their military .training has led the battalion into financial difficulties- (states the "New Zealand Herald");' ' \ ■ : la c February the battalion., went to Long Bay.for.its.first annual 'bivouac and' stayed there two days longer than' was officially' allowed ''for.'. As the troops -had -to. bo federations were drawn, but the two extra days spent in-- bivouac .resulted in an ovordrawal of foofotuffe, from the Government to the valua.of.£s 11s. A sequel is an appeal, issued, .by. the of the battalion to its officers drawing 'their attention to the two days excess of rations; and asking for assistance in liquidating th 6* liability. The circular state's "fliaf 'if has Tieen suggested that all officers should contribute six shil-' lingsfrom their, .uniform grant as there are in..sufficient-.legimentalfands to meet the- claims••■• ..-■;>

Officers- -on- -first1 being commissioned receive a free grant, of uniform in the same .manner-,as the rank and flle f »but, -unlike the latter, who receive replace-1 mcnts for fair wear and tear, an an? nual grant of '& 2 is- made to' each officer who - -fulfils' his "obligations, and from- -this- -ho is expected to keep his uniform: and equipment up. The circular".mentions'that only .those officers who attended the bivouac will reeeivb the grant this' year. ' :

:•■■ Bivouacs were' .'introduced', last year for. the Vplimfeers'to take the .place ofthe annual.camp." "No. payment for attendance was made, owing to the pressing need.-for economy in State ex-penditure,-but the-Government provided free quartors,- rations, fiiel,J and cooking.-' • •■•■■• ■■.'•".'"',-•■■'■.■'■■.