TRENTHAM CAMP

Manawatu Times, Volume XL, Issue 13210, 29 September 1915, Page 6

TRENTHAM CAMP

Press Association.—By Telegraph. WELLINGTON, Sept. 27. In the House to-night Hon. James Allen moved that the report of the Trentham Commission be laid on the table and referred to the Government for consideration. Dr. Thacker said that in the report they had a full expounding of the views of the Commission and of the evidence sumbitted. There was not one man of military fame on the Commission, and he mentioned the fact that Mr Ferguson was a harbour engineer who had strong Wellington bias. Dr Martin was highly qualified for a seat on the Commission and had shown his independence by adding a memorandum to the report. He contended that the findings of the Commission had not put the liability on to proper shoulders, also that Cabinet had chosen its own jury, with the result that the verdict was "not proven." Referring to the Minister for Defence, Dr. Thacker contended that Mr Allen had been overweighted with three such large portfolios as Finance, Defence and Education, and the medical side of the camp's equipment had been neglected. The men had become devitalised through too close confinement and want of proper sanitary conditions. He maintained that weak gpptS still existed in the camp, and considered the complaints against Dr Purdy unfair. Dlsdussing the Pensions Board he suggested the appointment of an experienced woman who would prove very helpful. Dr Newman said mistakes were still being made at Trentham. The curse of the camp was delay. Nothing was done in time. The men were still in want of baths. The recommendations of Surgeon-G«neral Henderson had not yet been given effect to. The men were too crowded and there was too much dust. He was afraid they would have all kinds of summer diseases unless General Henderson's suggested reforms were carried out. He also urged Ministers to keep a watchful eye on Samoa. Mr Payne complained that a certain medical man had been prevented by a Minister from disseminating practical knowledge amongst the men in camp. Mr T. M, Wilford said he had determined not to refer to past mistakes but to demand that any recommendations made by Surgeon-General Henderson shall be carried out. Ihey would tolerate no more of what he termed the "cigarette" policy, under which men from Samoa had to pay duty on cigarettes and tobacco which had never paid duty. Mr Poole said he did not desire to embarrass the Government with any hostile criticism in view of what had been done. He recognised that many improvements had been effected,, and hoped in view of the experience gained. t'uero would be no further cause for complaint. Mr Parr defended the personnel ot the Commission, which he considered a very strong one. He could not regaid the report as an official record of blunders at Trentham, of muddling and ineptitude, but he deprecated any flogging of a dead horse. He did not think the Minister would flout the recommendation of Surgeon-General Henderson. Mr Field (Nelson) commented on the fact of new troops being introduced there. He considered that the dependents of men who lost their lives at Trentham were entitled to receive every consideration. Mr Escott held that the report showed that the medical equipment and at- ' tentions at the camp had been unsatisfactory. Hon. James Allen, in reply, defended the members of the Commission, which had not been appointed in a hurry but after a conference with the Leader of the Opposition. He was sorry that a man from the Royal Army Medical Corps had not been appointed at first, but the question of expense had to be considered. Training men for the difficulties they would meet in warfare was necessary, and he would hold himself criminally responsible if the men were not inured in camp somewhat to the hardships they would encounter on battlefield. Dr Thacker: They don't want mollycoddling. He acknowledged the valuable work performed by Dr Valintine in connection with the camp. Hot baths were ordered at the beginning of the camp. \ Dr Newman: Then why are they not ready! i The Minister: Because other more important work had to be done. He had now received a report that they would be ready this week. There was a. difference of opinion about the lining of huts. In any case more necessary work had to be carried out. As to the Samoan troops the reports were that the men were in first-rate health. Regarding the dust evil, this wa's not an unknown difficulty in camps. | He quoted from the report to show that due attention was given to sanitation at the camp. He intended to propose an amendment in the Defence Act making provision for the dependents of those who died in training camps. He said that the Fourth and Fifth "Reinforcements had ¥een so well trained before they left the Dominion that they had gone straight to Gallipoli from Egypt. The motion was carried, and the House adiourned at 0.50 p.m.