LEAVING CAMP

Wanganui Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15671, 23 November 1918, Page 7

LEAVING CAMP

DEMOBILISATION PROCESS, SOME BUSY SCENES. Historic Treutham, the training ground of many thousands of the world’s best lighters, is this week undergoing the process of demobilisation. Almost" immediately after the official news was received that hostilities in Europe had ceased a special camp order was issued by the Camp Commandant, Colonel H. R. Potter, C.M.G., and every man is acquainted with the procedure of demobilisation. The keeness and martial spirit of the men has given place to a feeling of merriment and a natural desire to get back to civil life. Commencing in the early hours of the morning the scene is one of continuous bustle, and the men are going through the ordered routine with a good will. Only those who are quite free from influenza and other disabilities are permitted to leave the camp, and then only with the consent of the principal medical officer. Those who are still suffering from the prevailing malady will remain until it is quite safe to send them to their homes. The temperature of every man is taken by the medical officers before the final word is given. From the medical hut the men proceed to the dental hut, thence to the camp quartermaster's stores. Here they are required to hand over their military gear, but in cases where the men do not possess mufti outfits they are permitted to retain their military equipment on the understanding they will return it at the first opportunity. A visit to the pay office—a very popular item with the men—follows, and he signing of the camp clearance completes the process of demobilisation as far as the men are concerned. Demobilisation continues at Feathereton Camp, and several hundred men have left for their homes. The difficulty in arranging transport on railways and boats is now presenting itself, but just as fast as tbe shipping companies and Railway Department can accommodate the men they are leaving the camp. The men in hospital, of course, still require attention, and fatigues are necessary for this work, but convalescent men are being sent home so soon aa their period of isolation has expired. The camp staff lias been working almost continuously during the past week, and the stores department Has been starting at 5 a.m. daily and working on into the night. The clerks, both permanent and temporary, are also entering upon the great work of demobilisation with a good will, and the rate of discharge increases as the staff becomes more proficient.