IN THE CAMPS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 9953, 24 April 1918, Page 9

IN THE CAMPS

FIRST IN THE FIELD. INSTITUTES AND HOSTELS. THE SOLDITRS' APPRECIATION. In the training camps of New Zealand, the Salvation Army has over been to the fore in providing for the comfort, entertainment, and spiritual welfare of the soldiers. When Trentham was first made a training camp—a oamn of tente t -*here was one large tent set up very early in the proceedings. It was the Salvation Army institute. In later days, the institute took a more permanent form in wood and galvanised iron: and it was for long the largest institute in the camp. May Morn was a branch, camp of Trentham; it existed as such for several months, and the marquee of-the Salvation Army was a feature of this camp among the lovely hills of itungaroa- The same thing happened at Tauheronik&u Camp when it was opened, and at Featherston. And, when it later days, Tauherenikau was" reopened, it was the Salvation Army which acted, even when the poseibility of the camp being permanently <used was in doubt, and put up. a huge structure in which every provision in the way of writing and reading facilities and games was made. WHAT THE MEN IJN KHAKI THINK. As an indication of what tho men in khaki think of the Red Jersey folk—the "Sallies," to speak in the vernacular —ib may bo said that the largo building was erected during a week-end by an army of volunteer workers, Whoso energy on this job was astonishing. Time proved the wisdom of tho bold etep taken in incurring this expense in building, as the camp is now a permanent one for CI men. But tho balvation Army authorities did not coneider that view of the matter at all. Ail they saw was a crying need for a hut for both officers and men; and, regardless of the future, they decided to meet present urgent requirements. The visitor to Featherston Camp is struck by the handsome appearance of a tall clock-tower which is visible when the camp is still some distance away. This tower is on tho Salvation Army Institute. The Red Jexesey people have no publicity department in their organisation. Except on very special occasions, they do not advertise; and this clock-tower is not intended as an advertisement. The camp authorities were (presented with, a clock, and the question of housing it at once arose. In building the tower to take it, tho Army officials secured also extra accommodation for a first-class library, which is a much-used adjunct to the institute's appointments occupying tho ground floor of tho building. The institute, however, is only a .part of tho Army's activities at Foathoreton. THE FEATHERSTON HOSTEL. It has a huge hostel on tho outskirts of tho township, where married

soldiers and their wives may secure accommodation at a minimum cost, paying for meals as required, '.this hostel lined a need which htul engaged attention ,i'or soma time. Owing to the influx of relatives of soldiers after the camp was established, Featherston was so crowded that even a single room could scarcely bo had; and oven when a. room was available the prices charged, both for board and .-rooms, were very high. The lied Jersey paople, once more, acted promptly and in a large way. The hostel is a wolf-arranged, airy place, with a largo, attractive dniingrooni, and bedrooms built about quadrangles, or courtyards, so that each lias ample light and air. There are large laundries and children s playrooms, and every way the comfort and happiness of mothors and children are provided for. Built {it some distance from the mam building are a number of semi-detach-ed flats. <*\t least, that is what they were intended for when they were built; and very comfortable Hats they _ were, with a snug living-room and kitchen combined, fitted with • a stove, and an airy bedroom. So great has been the demand for rooms, however, that the flats have been made into separate rooms, by locking the door between them There were two outside doors in the beginning. Thus double the accommodation has beeen provided, and itis in keen demand alf the time. A rule of the establishment is that no room may bfc kept by one person or family for more than one month. In this way pormaiionl stall men are prevented from monopolising the rooms, and the boon is available to many soldiers of the Expeditionary Forces, and their wives and children, during each year. A matron, with a capablo staff under her, has control of the domestic side of tht> establishment; while the administrative side is in charge of an officer of eiqperience and tact. On many occasions the hostel has been inspected by Ministers and distinguished visitors, as well as bv high military officers. Tihe opinion of ail/ expressed in unqualified terms, has been that this enterprise of the Salvation Army is a nighty commendable one. No words can overstate the value of the Salvation Army's work in the military training camps in New Zealand.