MILITARY TRAINING.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIIC, Issue 14216, 4 June 1910, Page 7

MILITARY TRAINING.

THE CANTERBURY CAMP SITE. Mi?itary officers in Christ church says, the •'Times''' believe that the site on- the banks of the AY aimakariri selected for a drill ground lor the Territorials i.s a very n-ood one. Those who have Won over the ground say that its configuration is not as suitable as might be desired but any defects it possesses in this direction are counterbalanced by the fact that it is very accessible. From a theoretical point of view. it is stated, the Hnlmoral rotate, which was also under offer, with its river and hills and undulating country. an ideal place, but it is not well sduated. and is- very bleak and cold. I he" aimakariri country is flat except- for hollows made by tho river. I he>p are oiten from six: to feet deep, and the sides go down so steoplv htat man and horse, when _<j;oin;i* at a good' pace over apparently level ground might sudden! y d p'lo'i r from view, having turned head over heels in one of those depressions. It is expected tint th's will m:\ko tho place somewhat difficult for command. For company drill, however, it is thought that the sire is an admirable one. It cannot be used, oven as far as the bed of the river is concerned. for big gun firing with ball eartiidge.

Speaking to a 1 'l'r--ss ; ' representative yesterday, Mr H. Allison, secretary of the Board, said that no hint whatsoever had been given ihat the reservos might be wan led for the purpose named, and if they had hron inspected bv the commis-ioners that had been (lone. Sf not secretly and {surreptitiously, at least without- notice to toe 15, aid. ami without the knowledge of the Hoard. The liouul were not consulti i in any way." added Mr Allison, "and no information was asked for. Surely common courtesy should have caused the Commissioners to communicate with us before selecting the site." Mr Allison explained that the Board wen. already waiting. a. substantial iiicom, from tile rents of the reserves, which were leased to (.liifcrent Tenants f-ir seven years, six of which had still to run, and there was every »nw» •••! <>* the income being augmented when the leasc-s were renew, d. lie gathered thai the. Government- proposed t> give the Board another area of laud elsowhei-'' to replace what was to i) taken, but he doubted whether the Hoard would be as well off then a-'

now. However. the Government might' (Vol dispos'd to deal generously with the Board in the matter, and to make it certain that tli" Hoard would suffer no loss by the <-iianj£'?. If the leases were to he disturbed, then the present levees would no <!onbt olnpn compensation for the breaking of their contracts.