H.—l9b

XII

35. The existence of some seventy-five targets and of the necessary facilities for training in rifle shooting is an invaluable adjunct to the camp, and one which could not readily be replaced if the camp were shifted. 36. An ample supply of good water has been laid down, and evidence has been given that the water has been submitted to an official analysis and been pronounced good. 37. Colonel Gibbon, who lives in the neighbourhood and has had the training of the men, considers the ground "as eminently suitable. The only drawback, if there is one, is that it is not as suitable for training mounted men as it might be." Sanitation. 38. At the initiation of the camp the drainage provided by military practice was installed, proper catch-pits being provided to strain off greasy material from the liquids from the cookhouses and ablution-places, with drainage therefrom to soak-pits in the gravelly subsoil, which was eminently adapted to the system. When the numbers in the camp were increased further drains and soak-pits were prepared, and when the hutments were started the system was enlarged on the same lines, but did not prove quite satisfactory. It is, we think, a matter of regret that when it was decided to make a permanent camp at Trentham the Public Works Department were not called in to lay out the drainage, both for surface and for polluted water, as well as to do the roadmaking. They have now been called in, and the work is in hand. Had this been done at first a large amount of fatigue-work thrown on the recruits would have been avoided, and the time of the men devoted to their military training. Mr. Holmes, the Engineer-in-Chief, states that when the reading, draining, and other improvements in hand are completed the camp will be in an absolutely satisfactory condition. It is to be regretted that the services of the Engineer-in-Chief were not resorted to before July. 39. When the camp first started ordinary military shallow-trench latrines were adopted. These were placed at a considerable distance from any spot where tents were afterwards erected, and there is no evidence to show that any complaint or harm arose from them. They were only usebl as a necessary temporary expedient and until permanent latrines were erected. These are of the pail type, having fixed timber seats on a concrete graded floor, and having properly formed gutters. There was a proper system of daily removal and cleaning of the pails, and the cleansing of the floors. All fluid excreta was drained off by water-carriage to soak-pits. The number of latrines and their position were satisfactory and proved adequate. The ablution-places were located and constructed in accordance with military practice, and until the huts were occupied fulfilled their object. In connection with the huts, improved ablution-places have been constructed which will, by the adoption of sloping concrete floors and gutters, be drier and more comfortable for the men. Capacity of Camp. 40. The camp was first occupied when the delay occurred in sending away the Main Expeditionary Force. The men were disembarked from the ships, and camping-grounds had to be found for them in various parts of Wellington. The Mounted Brigade were sent to Trentham, with some of the Artillery, making a total of nearly two thousand men. It being found necessary to obtain a regular supply of reinforcements to maintain the Expeditionary Force, Trentham was decided upon as a suitable place to form the requisite camp, and steps were taken to test it as regards sanitation and water. The D.M.S. (Colonel Purdy) stated in evidence that he made a rigid inspection over a period of eight days'with Colonel McKillop and other Medical Officers, and that the camp was laid down on the lines of the model camp at Tauherenikau, which he himself had planned. He says it was laid down on the most up-to-date lines, and that the placing of the tents and everything else was done according to the latest manual issued by the Imperial authorities. The camp was then laid out to accommodate a force of two thousand men. This was the quota to

Targets,

Water.

System

Latrines;

Ablutions.

Origin,