N.Z. ARMY

Grey River Argus, 10 February 1943, Page 6

N.Z. ARMY

NEW TRAINING SCHEME. I p.A. WELLINGTON,. Feb. 9. I A new scheme of physical training, ' involving many revolutionary changes from the present methods, is about' to be applied throughout the Army in New Zealand, said the Minister of Defence (Hon. F. Jones) to-day. This scheme, which came into operation in United Kingdom training camps a few’ months ago, will, subject to minor modifications, be introduced here as soon as sufficient commissioned and non-commissioned officer instructors are trained. The first class of trainees as instructors will assemble at the Army School on Monday. The new scheme aims at toughening the soldier to a considerably greater extent than was previously attempted. It is divided into two main sections:—(l) Basic physical training for use during recruit training and for troops working under static conditions, or who require reconditioning; (2) “purposeful” physical training which, as the name indicates, is intended to prepare the soldier in every possible way to meet the great physical stress of battle under all conditions. The training will entail marching, running on roads and cross-country in battle dress and boots, scaling ropes, logs, trees, cliffs, walls, etc., tugs-o'-war, exercises with heavy logs, jumping obstacle courses, unarmed combat, parachute landing exercises, and tabloid sports. The parachute landing exercises comprise relaxed fallings and rolls and downward jumping from heights up to ten feet. In- ■ struction in boxing and swimming will also have an important place in the scheme. TRAINING COLLEGE STUDENTS. RELEASE FROM CAMP. P.A. DUNEDIN, Feb. 8. The Chairman of the Otago Education Board (Mr James Wallace) said to-day that he had received the following telegram from the Minister of Defence (Hon. F. Jones) relating to the release from camp of training college students: “Referring to your telegram of February, certain administration difficulties preclude the immedate operation of the Government proposals relative to the release of' students under 20. The matter is under action.” The following reply was sent by Mr Wallace: “Thanks for your telegram. Disappointed, but trust you will see that the proposals are promptly given effect to.” Commenting on the Minister’s telegram, Mr Wallace said that in common with all others interested, he was extremely disappointed that the War Cabinet’s decision had not been given effect to by the military authorities. “I trust,” Mr Wallace added, "that the military authorities are not to be allowed to be the rulers of New Zealand.” The Board would certainly not let the matter rest, he said, and if something definite were not announced within the next week, the Board, in association with others interested, would decide what further action should b e taken.