IMPROVED CAMP FACILITIES

Horowhenua Chronicle, 24 November 1939, Page 7

IMPROVED CAMP FACILITIES

LAYOUT, FOOD AND HEALTH MINISTER EXPRESSES SATISFACTION By Telegraph —Press Association WELLINGTON, Nov. 23. General satisfaction with the layout of the camp and the facilities for soldiers was expressed by the Minister of Defence (Hon. F. Jones) after a very thorough first inspection of the new Papakura camp. Mr. Jones also visited the Ngaruawahia camp and expressed pleasure at the improvement in the conditions which had resulted from the transfer of a large body of men to Papa“So far as meals are concerned,” said Mr. Jones, “I am satisfied that everything is being done to give variety, and if anybody had opportunities for seeing the camps that I have had in the last few days they would be well satisfied with the conditions of keeping, preparing and serving. K “Papakura had some unfortunate trouble last week-end, but immediate steps are being taken to remedy the position. The present cooling system is not absolutely satisfactory, but the installation of refrigerated rooms will effectively prevent any recurrence of the trouble. Orders for this equipment had been given before the outbreak of poisoning.

“Soldiers have been touched by the influenza epidemic which has also affected civilians,” said Mr. Jones when speaking of the first echelon’s health. “This has been so in all the camps but when such large bodies of men are brought together it is likely than an epidemic is more easily spread than in civilian life. However, when the new Papakura hospital block is completed we will be able to look after them better than ever.

“I am satisfied that the treatment they have been receiving in the temporary hospital has been quite good and parents need not be alarmed because we have been sending men to public hospi jals. This does not mean that the cases have been serious, for ninetenths of them would not be sent if they were still in civilian life, but we have decided on this course to give them better treatment and to lessen the dangers of contagion. The system is to keep them in the camp hospital no longer than 48 hours so that if they need more than that amount of attention they are sent to the public hospital.