TRENTHAM CAMP ENQUIRY

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 10127, 20 July 1915, Page 2

TRENTHAM CAMP ENQUIRY

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, July 19. R. W. Holmes, Engineer-in-Chief of the Public Works Department, gave evidence to-day before tho Trent ham Royal Commission. He said that up to the present lie had had nothing to do with the erection of hutments. On Tuesday last ho was asked to take charge of all work. He considered the hutments fairly satisfactory. They would bo rather cold 011 frosty nights and some attention would have-to bo given to ventilation. With regard to sanitation, lie considered the collection of sewage was satisfactory, • but the disposal after collection provided greater difficulties in view of the ground possibly becoming clogged with particles of solid matter. He had under consideration means for dealing with this Ho said the improvements at the camp were to l>e at a cost of approximately £28,000. He considered the site a very suitable one for the camp. Major James O'Sullivan, Assistant-Quarter-Master-General, said the Department let a contract for 2250 pairs of boots per month. R. Hannah and Co., Wellington, and O'Brien and Co.. Christchurcn. being contractors. The difficulty started when in addition to 1700 men originally provided for the authorities put in the Trentham Regiment, Field Artillery, base hospitals, and other troops. His Honour: What we want to know is whether there was sufficient activity displayed in getting the boots. As a matter of fact you don't get enough now! \V itness: No, we do not. He added that efforts were made at once to increase the supply and other bootmakers were invited to supply at contract price.