MAIN ARMY CAMP

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25395, 27 December 1945, Page 9

MAIN ARMY CAMP

LINTON'S FUTURE EOLE

TRENTHAM FOR HOUSING WELLINGTON, Wednesday 111© piincipal military training centre of the future is to bo at Linton, a few miles south of Palmerston North, on the banks of the Manawatu River. Trentham camp, which has served the country for two wars, is needed for housing development, and it is a real windfull for the State housing branch, because miles of well-sealed streets are in existence and there is a complete lighting, sewerage and water supply system. The future move of the Army to Linton will not involve heavy capital expense. because there is already a complete camp, built in a hurry, but effectively, to accommodate 7000 men. Linton camp is 0110 of the line examples of what can bo done when all the country's resources in manpower and materials are made available for tho war effort. Tho camp has its own railway station and ample railway sidings and storerooms. There is good road access, complete reading reticulation within the camp, and an adequate power and water supply. A rifle range is another feature, so that when the Army moves out of Trentham it will simply have to move in at. Linton. It is understood that recent land purchases by the Government will ensure space for extension if ever tho present site proves too small. Confirming this report of the official decision regarding Linton camp, tho .Minister of .Defence. Mr Jones, stated: "It is the Government's intention to retain Linton for ultimate development in substitution for Trentham. This latter camp is being converted into a light industrial and residential area, and it is anticipated that the activities of the Central Military District will bo based on Linton."

The Minister added that it is not intended to undertake any immediate development, of Linton, which will be maintained until the time arrives when the future military requirements of New Zealand are more fnilv determined.