SHOWGROUNDS FOR CAMP

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 48, 19 November 1937, Page 4

SHOWGROUNDS FOR CAMP

Request Declined by H.B. A. & P. Executivf OPINIONS DIVIDED An application for permission to hold a military'camp at the Tomoana Showgrounds next year was refused by_ the executive of the Hawke's Bay Agricultural* and Pastoral Society this mcrning, after a lengthy discussion. It being pointed out that, owing to the farming operations conducted on the grounds, and the nearness of the date of the camp to the Autumn Show, fihe request could not be granted. Opinions were divided on the issue, but th# motiou was eventually earried. The application was made by the adjutant of the Second Composite Battalion, Captain G. M. McCaskell, N.Z.S.C., who asked for the grounds from February 19 to March 5. The operations, which would be attended by about 500 men, from Hawke's Bay, Poverty Bay, Taranaki, Wairarapa, and the East ,'Coast, would take the form of the meeting of a landing on the beach south of Napier. No animals would be used, transport being done by lorry, The use of the produce hall as a mess-room, and the poultry shed as a store-room, wai asked, and the letter added that no drill would be earried out on tho grounds, Mr J. H. McNiven objected to tho proposal on the grounds of the nearness of the. Autumn Show, arrangements for which would be disrupted by tho camp. If the weather were wet, tho farming operations nright be hindered by the presence on. the ground of 500 men. _ ."Our young men must train," said Mr A. M. Robertson. "We must remember our grounds were subscribed to by the public, and I think the time ig coming when we should maka more neo of them. The grounds might be cut up a bit, but I don't think that would matter." i4I can't agree with those who ar© in favour of not letting our grounds," said the president, Mr J. H. Absolum. ."They are losing sight of the. main issue, which is that the young men must be trained to defeud our country. It is the defence of this county we have to think of in the matter, and not of our farming." Mr J. Graham criticised the system of using the produce hall. He considered that the camp41 should be held under conditions approximating to service conditions, and the camp should bo held nearer the beach. A' motion that the request- could not be granted becauae of the farming operations and the nearness of thoautumn show, was earried.