Territorials Arrive for Training

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 103, 2 May 1941, Page 10

Territorials Arrive for Training

MANOEUVRES COMMENCE NEXT WEEK Yesterday witnessed tho arrival in Palmerston North by train and lorry of largo numbers of Territorials who aro being concentrated lor tho manoeuvres to bo carried out next week on both sides of tho ranges and ending in the area between Paokakariki and Titalii Bay. The exercises will be the biggest carried out in the Central Military District since tho Great War. Hundreds of motor-lorries and other vehicles have come by r the train-load to Palmerston North in the last few days, and this number was augmented yesterday afternoon by a transport column 15 miles long from Wellington and another, about six miles long, lrom Dannevirke. Tho vehicles arriving by train, drawn in tho main from the lower half of the North Island, were handled by the Army’s transport section and, after being examined and overhauled by light aid detachments, were allocated to the various units for the transport of personnel and equipment, according to their needs, lor tho last fortnight the transport vehicles have been steadily assembled and taken to tho camps at the Showgrounds, Awapuni racecourse, Ashhurst racecourse and Hokowhitu rifle range. For tne two transport columns from Wellington and from Dannevirke the Army operated its own traffic control, and sufficient spaeo was left between the vehicles so that, in tne event of passage over a one-way bridge, civilian vehicles might cross between those of the Army. Intersections of importance were manned, and from the approaches to the city to the destinations a complete system of guidance, through the traffic control system, was designed. It is expected that little interference will be caused with civilian traffic through the Manawatu Gorge and that, over all, there will be a minimum of delay. Very considerable supplies of meat and bread have been arranged for locally for the feeding of the troops. Fresh milk is not used, as service conditions apply, tinned milk being issued. Other items in the rations, such as sugar, flour, biscuits and other such supplies, are drawn through the Army supply system. Bases are established at various points for the supply of perishable foods, and requirements of these can be forecast two days ahead, so that these bases are drawn on for supplies as the occasion demands.

On Monday the force will move from Palmerston North and Foxton (where the 2nd. Mounted Rifles Brigade is encamped) to the Masterton and, Levin areas respectively!