WAIOURU CAMP

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 288, 6 December 1939, Page 9

WAIOURU CAMP

GLORIOUS WEATHER FIELD TRAINING UNDER WAY WIDE SCOPE OF OPERATIONS Members of the Special Military Force encamped at Waiouru are carrying out realistic warfare train ing in one of the most salubrious climates in New Zealand. From the camp the men can obtain a wonderful view of the majestic snow-clad peak of Mount Ruapehu. Last week a number of engineers from Ngaruawahia arrived at the camp and were engaged in unloading stores and camp equipment. An advance party of 150 men arrived or Thursday to erect the tents and they had everything in order on Sunday afternoon, the day on which the main body of men arrived from Trentharr and Auckland. The units in camp are the 19tt Wellington Pufle Battalion. froir Trentham, the Divisional Cavalry from Ngaruawahia, and the Field Engineers. Training was skirted immediately the various units arrived in camp, the manoeuvres taking place over an area about 20 miles square On Monday the Field Engineers built a heavy traffic bridge over the Waiouru Stream, trenches were sited and will be dug by the soldiers this week the tanks units made short runs and the sections carried out exercises near the camp. Yesterday the engineers had a busy' day, their work including the erection of a bridge and equipment stores. They are getting in much useful practice. Last night th troops left the camp after tea to carry out night manoeuvres and were provided with a hot meal on their return to camp shortly after 10 p.m. The Divisional Cavalry- (mechanised) is equipped with Bren gun carriers and trucks and its field of activity is extensive. Workmen are still engaged in putting the finishing touches to the camp but their numbers are diminishing. Fire-fighting equipment and a supply of water for this purpose is now being provided. The camp is surrounded by a belt of pine trees and electricity is provided by a generating plant. Rugby football is a popular sport, two All Blacks, J. L. Griffiths and J. Wynyard, being included among the enthusiasts. The air is bracing and the men eat and sleep welt “The camp is going well and the weather is glorious,” said Major C. V.

Sugden, N.Z.C.S., the camp commandant, last night. He added that rough weather was experienced during the week before the arrival of the main body, but since then there had been glorious sunshine and a light westerly wind. Major Sugden said i that no time had been wasted in • starting training after the troops [arrived, the men “hopping” straight ' into it. A dry canteen has been provided at the camp and a wet canteen will be established shortly.