Trek Planned for Mechanised Unit

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 64, 17 March 1938, Page 8

Trek Planned for Mechanised Unit

PART OF ANNUAL CAMP TRAINING The change from horse transport to mechanised transport under the newmilitary training scheme is gradually taking shape and at the end of this month something entirely new in training operations is to be undertaken by B Squadron (4th Alotorised Regiment. N.Z.AI.R. (the new title under the system for the 6th Alanawatu Alounted Rifles). Instead of the annual camp of 14 days, which has usually been held at Dannevirke or Waipukurau, the squadron will enter camp at Ashhurst on Alarch 30 and remain there only three days. On April 3 it will move off under the mechanised transport for a long trek, the like of which has never been attempted in New Zealand before. Passing through Palmerston North in order to give citizens an opportunity' to see the column on the move, the first stop will be made at Levin. The column will pass through Wellington on April 5 and thereafter it will pass through Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay, thence to Napier. Any impression that the trek is merely designed for publicity can be dismissed. During the whole period, military manoeuvres in keeping with modern warfare conditions will be carried out. The unit will be entirely self-con-tained. All the vehicles will be of military pattern, the body designs being the same as those used in the Imperial Army. The seating accommodation for the troops leaves nothing to be desired, while all baggage and equipment will be carried on tho trek. There will be a large travelling kitchen and water cart with pneumatic tyres, and a particularly interesting feature will be the inter-communica-tion by -wireless. For this purpose there will be three wireless vans with the column and, i/. addition to the military radio sets, 4in opportunity will be given to try out ultra sliort-wave sets made by the ranks. In cases where the unit has to be split up the various divisions will keep in constant touch with one another. Another indication of the mechanisation of the military forces is provided in the fact that the local batteries are disposing of their horses by auction to make way for motor transport for artillery purposes. The large number of horses stationed at Palmerston North is being reduced to six, -which are to be used merely for packing purposes.