WAIANAKARUA CAMP

Evening Star, Issue 20128, 19 March 1929, Page 12

WAIANAKARUA CAMP

OTAGO UNIVERSITY COMPANY The Otago University Company, N.Z.M.C., were in camp at Waianakania for a fortnight, from February 27 to March 12. Lieutenant-colonel C. E. Hercus, D. 5.0., was in command of the unit, now 116 strong, the other officers being Major 11. A. H. Fulton, Lieutenant J. A. I). Jvcrach, M.C., Lieutenant N. Speight, and Major Gibb, N.Z.A.M.G. The company, which consists entirely or medical "ami dental students, showed exceptional keenness and interest _in their training, which included sanitation, water purification, first aid and bandaging, map reading, hospital ward duties, squad, section, and com.pany drill, stretcher drill, tent-pitch-ing, etc. The organisation of the company into three sections permitted the training to be graded, A being the senior, B the intermediate, and C the junior section. It is of interest that every man in A section entered and qualified for the practical examination for the “A” certificate, and several of the senior n.e.o.s are shortly sitting for their “B” certificate. The messing arrangements for the unit were well carried out, invaluable help in this department being given b Major Gibb, N.Z.A.M.G., whose energy and enthusiasm were an inspiration to all ranks. Silver cups for the best-kept tent' and for the most proficient stretcher squad were competed for, the standard of work displayed being of a very high order indeed. In the later stages of the camp the unit co-operated with the Otago and Canterbury Battalions in Brigade manoeuvres, extending over two days, after which the members were complimented by the brigade commander upon their excellent turn-out and upon their field work.