NO-MORE CAMPS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2507, 7 July 1915, Page 4

NO-MORE CAMPS

DISABILITIES OF TRENTHAM BEING REMOVED.. , The Minister of Defence was asked by Mr.-; A. Glover (Auckland Central) in the House yesterday whether the D<w fenco" Department would' make arrangements for the establishment of a military. cainp in or near, Auckland for the purpose of training/recruits, and "thus obviate the congestion and other disabilities at the Trentham camp. : : ./Mr._ Allen, in his. reply, stated that a military camp had already been' es-tablished-at Auckland-for the purposo of training four' or fivo ; hundred Maoris. Ho did not think that it was desirable to have another military camp at Auckland, nor did lie think it desirable that the Trentham camp should be shifted. He'admitted- that the Trentham camp had had its disabilities, but these were now being removed. The drainage system ..had been designed by the Government Wellington City Engineer, and; Bird Erengleyof the Public Health Department, and' the system was a satisfactory one. The surface drainage system had been dovised by Mr. A Jickell, Borough Engineer atPalmerston North. "I. am informed," added Mr. Allen, . '-'that the'conditions of tho -camp itself are not the cause of trouble. The trouble is the influenza that has been brought in from outside. It is,' practically speaking, impossible to establish camps all over the country arid to carry out ! efficient training. Tho Trentham camp is not overcrowded." Mr. Allen'Vent tin to say.that'the huts for. the men were, being, erected as quickly as possible,'' but that unfortunately the supply of carpenters was short of tho nuriiber required. The Minister of Public Works, however, was making an endeavour to obtain as' many carpenters' as possible. In addition t-o the number of huts first authorised, a further fifteen were about to be authorised, and these would be erected as soon as possible..' When these were completed there would be some spare .huts, whioh would enable - them to deal with any difficulties that might arise. The sick parade department had also been reorganised, and furtlier doctors were now in or were coming in.