THE DEFENCE ACT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2928, 27 April 1910, Page 14

THE DEFENCE ACT.

SELECTION OF TEAINING CAMPS. WELLINGTON, April 20. The board appointed for the purpose of recommending to the Government sites ! for permanent training camps under the Defence Act had its attention in the | North Island chiefly confined to two ; sites—one near Waimarino, and the other : near Waiouru, both on the Main Trunk line. The area required (about 5000 | acres) is available without much difficulty in both cases. It is understood that the military member of the board favours Waiouru. The country in the locality is very high and very cold in the winter, but it is well watered, adjacent to a railway station, and is very well adapted for manoeuvring purposes. The board's report on the subject has not yet been submitted to the Government, but it is understood that it will be sent in at an early date. As soon as the Government has decided on the site, steps will be taken to establish permanent quarters for the troops who will have to undergo their annual periods of training. This will entail a very considerable amount of work, and until the camp has been brought into existence the training contemplated by the act cannot be carried out. ThC board, which will consist of Colonel Tuson (Adjutant-general), Mr W. C. Kensington (Under-secretary for Lands), and Mr J. Strauchon (Surveyor-general), will leave for the south on Saturday. Several sites, all in Canterbury, have been suggested. It appears probable that a site near Culverden will be proposed.