TRENTHAM CAMP.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2489, 16 June 1915, Page 8

TRENTHAM CAMP.

A VISITOR'S IMPRESSIONS.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Such a lot of criticism (much of it undeserved) has recently been directed against the Defence Department that, as one who has had the opportunity of seeing much of the work that has been done at the training camp at Trentham, I should like to express my admiration for and gratitude the Defence authorities, from the Minister right down to the smallest or least important non-com., for the good work that has been and is being done in the making of our citizen army. 1 havo seen Trentham under all 6orts of weather conditions, wet and fine, and it is just a hive of 'work and industry. It is all very well for visitors to go out of a Sunday afternoon, but if they could get a glimpse of it on a work day it would open the eye of those who indulge in so much thoughtless critiUnder Colonel Potter and his staff it is one ceaseless round of energy and go. The parade around is one mass of life and activity. From half platoons ■under a non-com. learning to mark timo to a full company attacking in extended formation. And then to stroll across (if you can dodge the alert camp military jwlice) to tho horse lines, take a surreptitious look over the hedge at the Artillery riding school, and see (and hear) the gruelling those fellows who control the battery teams are getting, and to see those chaps of the mounteds being shown how not to ride, it is indeed an eye-opener. When one has seen the whole process of soldier-making in its different stages of evolution, from raw material in denim on tho parade ground to the finished product of a departing regiment parading the streets of the city, then one must read with a feeling of shame the many thoughtless criticisms that are hurled at those who are doing this good work. The fact should never be forgotten that tho regulations prevent military men from writing to the papers in their own defence (even if they were so inclined), and as a consequence tho fighting of those "rearguard" actions usually devolve upon the Minister, who, I am sure, must be heartily tired of the incessant sniping that has been going on. While at the camp one day recently two points suggested themselves to my mind, and it is here perhaps that some of the talkers could bear a hand to ifelp. There are many who have registered and cannot get into camp right away. Well, why cannot they form themselves into squads and learn the rudiments of drill under Territorial or Senior Cadet officers, who would, I am sure, be only too willing to help in this respect ? • I know of two who are capable and willing. Two nights a week would soon knock the rough off, and that would be something less to be done in camp. The National Reserve can do it, surely those who complain about not getting a chance after enlisting can do so. Another point that camo to mind was that "Soldiertown" is in need of improvement in wet weather. Why cannot tho National Reserve call a few daylight parades, go to Trentham, and put in a bit of time gravelling the roads in the camp, levelling down the humps on tho parade ground, etc.? It would be something to help, and would save expense both for the Defence and Public Works Departments. The Hutt River is full of shingle—a few carts and horses and willing hands are all that is required. There are plenty of picks and shovels in the Army Service branch in camp. Let me commend this for serious consideration.—l am, etc., EYE-WITNESS. Wellington, June 15, 1915.