AT BURNHAM.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18904, 20 January 1927, Page 14

AT BURNHAM.

ANNUAL TRAINING CAMPS. There are'at' the present time approximately 400 men in camp at Burnham, under the command of Lieut.-Col. N. W. B. B. Thorns, D.5.0., N.Z.S.C. * From February to April the annual camps- are held, and yesterday, the thirteenth course for officers and „ co 'b of the non-secondary schools commenced. The course of instruction includes general training in infantry and musketry practice, m accordance with the new drill book which has just been, issued. • Lieut.-Col.. Thorns stated to a representative of The. Pbess, who visited the camp' yesterday, that the men in camp represented districts from Marlborough to Invercargill. The daily programme comprises: 8 a.m., ceremonial parade, route march, headed by the band of the 4th Cadet Battalion, Canterbury Regiment, and instruction in general military training. A spell of half an hour is granted during the morning.

Altogether there are 110 tents and four store marquees. The men mess in open-air Indian marquees, and the officers in. the dining hall of the old industrial school. The catering ib carried, out .hy Captain S. Allen, N.Z.S.C The camp is provided with a military hospital, and Dr. King,, of the Chrjstchurch Hospital, and Sisters Inglis and Nixon attend to twelve beds, which are always ready to accept trainees who find the life too strenuous, or who suffer from any of the ailments brought about by camp life. An open air theatre has beeii' erected. Mr Ross Murray, who is in charge of the Y.IVtC.A. tent, will welcome concert parties from the City. A special concert hall is available.

Trainees are provided with a full-sized swimming bath, equipped with dressing sheds, and there are tennis courts and a cricket pitch. The fees for these facilities are paid for from the proceeds of the canteens.