9

H.—19

Camp. The camp was laid out by Captain Browne. Headquarters Staff. Camp Quartermaster, and the excellent health of all ranks was due to his careful supervision, and the extreme cleanliness of the camp and its surroundings, which was always insisted upon. Sanitation. The latrines were on the pan and dry-earth system, and their contents were buried daily. Soak-pits were dug for the reception of water used in washing utensils for cooking, drawings of which will be found in the appendix on pages 14 and 15. All refuse was burned in the incinerator, and empty tins and indestructible matter buried after passing through the incinerator. At intervals, behind the tents, receptacles were placed, into which scraps of paper and litter were thrown and afterwards burned. Thus the camp was kept clear of all rubbish. Water-supply. The water-supply, duly tested and found pure, was obtained from a reek behind the camp, and pumped up to tanks by a hydraulic ram. A plentiful supply of water was thus obtained for all ranks. and shower-baths in sufficient quantities were erected. Medical Attendance. Lieut.-Colonel Bey, of the N.Z.M.O, attended to the health of the camp. Lieutenants Morrison and Lampen assisted the Medical Officer by attending immediately to any minor ailments on the spot which did not necessitate the cailing-in of the Medical Officer. They performed their duties most efficiently, and by their timely attention to those minor ailments always to be found in camps, prevented their becoming chronic or severe. Lighting. All the mess marquees were lighted with acetylene gas laid on from a generator erected under the water-tank. This method of lighting was considered cleaner, safer, cheaper, and better than by oillamps. As a great deal of work, reading up manuals. &c. was done at night, it was necessary that the light shoidd be good and adequate. Horses. For instruction in mounted duties forty horses were purchased, and were placed under the care of Captain Browne, Camp Quartermaster. These horses were kept in a paddock between the camp and the Tauherenikau River, and were looked after by a certain number of the R.N.Z.A. The Inspecting Veterinary Officer, Captain Reid, in veterinary charge of camp, reported that their condition was very good and showed great improvement since their purchase, which reflects credit on the care that was taken of them. Only one horse was cast, and this was sold after the camp was closed. The remainder were distributed among Area Sergeants-major, as far as they would go. These N.C.O.s will in some districts have to cover long distances in the execution of their duties, and therefore it is considered necessary that they should have a horse for the purpose. Fatigues. The necessary fatigue duties in camp were executed by a detachment of the R.N.Z.A. and a few civilians engaged for the purpose. These duties were carried out entirely satisfactorily, and all worked hard with commendable zeal and energy. Situation of Camp. The camp was situated on the south-east side of a belt of bush which stretched from behind the racecourse to the Tauherenikau River. The site was ideal, as the bush sheltered the camp very efficiently from the north-west wind, which frequently sweeps down from the hills with much violence. As stated above, the water-supply was close behind the camp, and the Tauherenikau River close to the horse-paddock. This river was used tor watering the horses, and a bathing-place was made in it for the use of the camp. The ground on which the camp was pitched is part of the property of Mr. Quinton Donald, who very generously placed it at the disposal of the Defence Department for the purpose. Daily Routixk. The daily routine of work in the camp was as follows : Work commenced at 8.30 a.m., and went on till 1 p.m., with a break of half an hour from 10.30 a.m. till 11 a.m. After lunch, at 1 p.m., work recommenced at 2 p.m. and finished at 1.30 p.m. Saturday was a general holiday, and on Sunday a church parade was held in the morning. Discipline: . Discipline in camp left nothing to be desired, and the smartness and soldierly bearing of all ranks is a matter for congratulation. The zeal and energy displayed by all officers and N.C.O.s under instruction was extremely creditable. From first to last every one showed a very commendable desire to learn all he could, and a meat deal of work, both practical and theoretical, was done during hours supposed to be devoted to relaxation, and even late in the night. This soldierly spirit gives i'ood promise for the future success of the Territorial Forces.

2—H. 19.