FEATHERSTON CAMP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16230, 16 May 1916, Page 8

FEATHERSTON CAMP.

♦ ... .. VISIT OF INSPECTION. PARLIAMENTARY PARTY.. [BY EELEGBAPH—SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]} Wellington-, Monday. A visit of inspection to Featherston camp was made to-day by a parliamentary party consisting of members of both Souses and their •wives, and members of the, press gallery. The latter made the journey by last night's troop train, and were thus afforded an opportunity of spending several hours at the camp to-day. Special arrangements for the convenience of the. newspaper representatives were made at the camp at the request of the Defence Minister, by Col. Adams, commandant, and C&pt. -Adjutant Neville Newcomb.

The parliamentarians went out by special train this morning, arriving at th« camp at 11.30 a.m. Ideal weather prevailed.. The large area occupied by th« camp, the extend of the accommodation, and the completeness of the equipment and services provoked surprise from those who had not previously visited the camp. On arrival of the parliamentary party a parade of all men in camp, including the fourteenth and fifteenth reinforcements, totalling about 5000, was held. General inspection of the camp and the day's work followed. " The party returned to Wellington early this evening. The visitors were entertained at luncheon in the large social hall of the Soldiers' Club at the camp. General Robin welcomed the visitors. The Minister for Defence referred to the fact that the handsome and well-appointed building :n which they were assembled had been provided by the Wairarapa Patriotic SocietT, with the assistance of the Government. He also stated that a building for the officers' club was to be provided, also by the same society with the assistance of the Government.

The men in camp appeared to be well cared for in all respects, the food being satisfactory, both as regards quality and quantity. A walk through the large storeroom afforded glimpses of extensive Tiiles of clothing and boots. About 2000 men are housed in tents with wooden floors in canvas town, and it was interesting to find there is still a preference for tents as compared with hutments under favourable weather conditions.

In one regard the men have a grievance, and that is in respect to the accommodation on troop trains to and from Wellington. They are placed in vans partiallv open at the sides, and the passage through the tunnels on the Rimutaka incline must bo the reverse of pleasant, whilst during this period of the year there is the added discomfort in the lack of protection from the bleakness of the trip over'the windswept mountains.