WAIOURU TO BE MAIN CENTRAL DISTRICT CAMP

Wanganui Chronicle, 7 September 1950, Page 7

WAIOURU TO BE MAIN CENTRAL DISTRICT CAMP

WELLINGTON, Yesterday. WaiI ouru Military Camp will eventually I become the Army's main training ; camp in the Central Military District. I Tenders have been accepted for a con- | siderable building programme to provide for 220 houses for ‘he camp staff, 114 additional barrack blocks, four i blocks of officers’ and senior n.c.o.s’ quarters, and 19 other buildings with I a total area of 61,000 square feet for 1 classrooms and equipment storage I space.

These details were announced today by the Minister of Defence. Mr Macdonald, who said he expected 180 houses would be completed by the end of March next year. Together with other accommodation the remainder of the houses would, it was hoped, be completed by the following August. Of the second Intake of territorial recruits to enter camp in January those from the Central Military District would undergo their basic training at Linton camp, but some would do their eight weeks’ corps training at Waiouru. The latter would com-

prise recruits who were posted to field and anti-aircraft artillery units, and Central and Northern District recruits posted to armoured units. By the time the third intake entered camp next May it was expected about half the number from the Central District would do their basic training at Waiouru. The Minister said since Government approval had been given for the purchase of more land at Waiouru the total area of the camp would be about 160 square miles, which was suitable for all forms of military exercises, including jungle warfare, artillery and anti-aircraft training. Eventually the Army School at Trentham is to be shifted to Waiouru.