Manawatu Evening Standard. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1945 LINTON" MILITARY CAMP.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXVI, Issue 25, 28 December 1945, Page 4

Manawatu Evening Standard. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1945 LINTON" MILITARY CAMP.

Wellington's expansion in the Hutt Valley has been very rapid in the last few years and land beyond Lower Hutt City is becoming thickly populated. Within the last two years extensive State housing operations have taken place, and the Naenae area, which was largely used for market gardening, is now covered with houses. Still further out Taita is being closely settled and the Government has decided that Trentbam Camp, which has played a prominent part in New Zealand's military affairs, is required for housing development. The decision is important, for it indicates that practically ■ the whole of the Hutt Valley up to Upper Hutt, which is about 2.1 miles from the Wellington Railway Station, will in the near future be entirely used for suburban development. When Trentham becomes a built-up area there will be only about three miles of available land up to Upper Hutt. The progress of building will necessitate the early electrification of the , railway and the duplication of the line and probably the removal of the main route to the eastern side of the Hutt River. With Trentham Camp no longer available the Government has decided to make Linton Camp the principal military training centre of the future. The decision is of great importance to Palmerston North, _ which will serve the camp. Linton has advantages that are not possessed by Trentham. During the war Linton was the training ground of many thousands of men and it is a complete camp capable of accommodating 7000. It is well provided for by railway, sidings, and storerooms, and has adeqiiate power and water supplies, which, together with its rifle range, are sufficient for present military needs! The Government has not yet made a pronouncement as to its intentions concerning future military plans, but if universal training is adopted as has been decided in some other parts of the Empire many thousands of young men will be put through their paces at Linton each year. Centrally situated, Linton should be ideal' for serving the military needs of the North Island and there are signs that the Government has made preparations to ensure space for extension if the present site proves too small. With Trentham has long been associated the New Zealand Rifle Association's championship meetino'. The range was regarded as one of the most difficult, with its "fishtail" winds and mirages, and the riflemen who won the King's Belt and other trophies had to work hard against these handicaps, which frequently existed. The elevation of Linton Camp may well bring with it the adoption of the rifle range for future New Zealand "Bisleys." Palmerston North has reason to be pleased that_ the Government's decision is in favour of Linton which in a few years will have a highly important place in the Dominion's" military establishment.