TRENTHAM CAMP PASSING

Evening Star, Issue 25675, 26 December 1945, Page 4

TRENTHAM CAMP PASSING

FUTURE USE FOR HOUSING ARMY HEADQUARTERS FOR TWO WARS (Special.) WELLINGTON, Dec. 26. The principal military training centre of the future is to be at Linton, a few miles south of Palmerston North on the banks of the Manawatu River. Trentham Camp, which has served the country for two wars, Is needed for housing development, and it is a real windfall for the State Housing branch, because miles of wellsealed streets are in existence, and there is a complete lighting, sewerage, and water supply system. The future move of the Army _ to Linton will not involve heavy capital expense, because there is already a complete camp, built in a hurry, but effectively, to accommodate 7,000 men. Linton camp is one of the fine examples of what can be done when all the country’s resources in man power and materials are made available for the war effort. The camp has its own railway station and ample railways sidings and storerooms. There is good road access, a complete roading reticulation within the camp, and an adequate power and water supply. A rifle range is another feature, so that when the Army moves out of Trentham it will simply have to “ move in ” at Linton. It is understood that recent land purchases by the Government will ensure space, for extension if ever the present site proves too small. Confirming'this report of the official decision regarding Linton Camp, the Minister of Defence (Mr Jones) stated: “ It is the Government’s intention to retain Linton for ultimate development in substitution for; Trentham, which is being converted into a light industrial and residential area, and it is anticipated that the activities "of the Central Military District will be based on Linton.” The Minister added that it is not intended to undertake any immediate development of Linton, which will be maintained until the time arrives when the future military requirements of New Zealand are more fully determined. • .