SMART AND FIT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20077, 25 October 1939, Page 5

SMART AND FIT

MEN IN CAMP TYPHOID INOCULATION The normal'week-end routine in the central district mobilisation camp, Trentham, was interrupted on Friday by two important events —the first fortnightly pay issue since the men have been in camp and inoculation against typhoid and paratyphoid “A” and "B.” Because the inoculation has in most cases a fairly strong reaction the men were rested after they had passed through the hands of the medical officers.

The protection given by the inoculation lasts for from two-and-a-half to three years. Its effectiveness was strikingly demonstrated in the French army when, after inoculation, the number of typhoid cases fell from 67,000 to 750. Pay offices were established in marquees in the three sections of the camp and the men paraded there in units and received their pay. Both these operations imposed big tasks on the respective staffs concerned and Hie smoothless with which they were carried out was a good indication of the efficiency with which all the plans were laid. Smartness and Health To visit the camp now after the majority of the men have been in training for a fortnight is to be impressed with their general appearance of smartness and good health. After a strenuous course of physical training, in addition to their military work, the men have got over their initial stiffness’and are quickly responding to the exercises they are put through.

Plans have been made for route marching on a gradually extending scale. Already some of the units have made one half-day march, and next week the first of a series of 15-mile marches will be held. The distances covered will be gradually increased. The greatly extended use of motorised transport has by no means obviated the need for soldiers to be able to cover long distances on foot, and the general physique of the men derives valuable benefit from this form of training.