TRAINING CAMPS

Otago Witness, Issue 3201, 21 July 1915, Page 52

TRAINING CAMPS

GOOD PROGRESS REPORTED. MORE SELF-DEFENCE.” (Fbom Oub Own Cobhespondent.) WELLINGTON, July 18. A visit to the new training camps at Rang iota and Waikunao was made yesterday by the Minister of Defence (the. Hon. J. Allen). Ho states that all the men, with the exception of the sick, are now under canvas, and that they are faring- well, and comfortable, and are doing- splendid work. The Trentham Regiment (Earl of Liverpool’s Own) are at Rangiotu, whilst the Seventh Reinforcements arc at Waikanac. All the men at Waikanae have floor boards for their tents, whilst those at Rangiotu are making- them. “The men,” said the Minister, ’“arc learning- to be more self-dependent, and to look out for themselves by guarding against wet and other discomforts as far as possible. This ie part of their necessary training, and I am glad to see that the men are showing so much interest and initiative. 1 was greatly struck with this on visiting the Seventh Reinforcements at Waikanae. For instance, they have dug, not only trcnc'hee round their tents, but have also dug trenches to take away the surface water. It is very pleasing, indeed, to sec how the office*a and men there arc setting to work to make the hist of things.’/ ‘‘Tho Eighth Reinforcements non-com-missioned officers’ camp has been started at Palmerston North. • These men have been billeted in hotels during the past few days, but they will now go into the Show Ground buildings, which arc very suitable for tho purpose. This section, which includes Messrs T. E. Y. Seddon and Downio Stewart, M.P.’s, will be given a month’s training.”

The sick men from' the now camps, Mr Allen said, arc making favourable progress. There are no' serious cases, the one or two serious cases that occurred at Waikanac and Palmerston North having improved. The ailments are mostly measles . There has also been a case of appendicitis.