PORTABLE ARMY HUTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20677, 30 January 1942, Page 8

PORTABLE ARMY HUTS

accommodating forces FOUR-MEN EQUIPMENT (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The mobilisation of the National Military Reserve and the Territorial Force involves a big problem not only in the provision of uniforms and supplies but also accommodation, and the army organisation is working at high pressure to provide all the needs. As most of the extensive permanent camp accommodation is in use. arrangements will have to be made for thousands of additional men who will be distributed in a large number of places. The Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, described how the new camp problem is being tackled. It has necessitated a complete departure from the fixed hutment type, he says. Tents are usually first resort in such cases, but many of the men now being called up will eventually be accommodated in more weatherproof quarters. The Public Works Department nas designed a special light portable hut. almost as handy as a tent, enabling camps to be quickly set up in any area away from the usual ' camp facilities. The hut has a floorj space 14ft. by 7ft. and good head room. It is constructed of substantial three-ply timber on frames in- sections which can be folded flat for transport. Three complete huts can be parried on a motor lorry and can be unloaded, opened up .and bolted together almost as quickly as tents-

The roof is malthoid on a threeply base. There is provision for guy ropes.

The sides have ventilation louvres and the lighting is from the roof through oiled canvas windows. They house four men more comiortabiy than is possible in a tent. They should have a high salvage valub because they are very suitable for seaside and other camp accommodation or for fann buildings. Nearly all materials are of New Zealand origin.