TRAINING UNFITS.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 November 1917, Page 4

TRAINING UNFITS.

GOOD RESULTS IN CAMP.

Weu.ington 7 , Nov 13,

Fxcellent results have already been secured at the training camp in Featherston for Ci men. After seven weeks’ experience of the work it is anticipated by the training staff that 60 per cent ot Ci men will be trained up to active service standard.

Up to date, close upon 1,000 Ci men have been mobilised, states the “Post.” Of the first draft of 300 men, 118, after six weeks' training, were sent before a special medical board for examination. Of these, 93 were classed fit, and posted to reinforcements. The balance were held over for next month’s examination, and in the meantime continue progressive training. The second draft, comprising over 600 men, concentrated on October 24. Although it is rather' early yet to anticipate results, it is confidently expected that fully 60 per cent of the men already mobilised will ultimately be passed as fit for reinforcement camps. That there are good grounds for supposing this to be a reasonable estimate is evident to anyone who spends a da}' in camp and watches tbe men in training, j Taking them as a whole, they are : of an exceptionally good type. They hook well physically, and in the great majority of cases are very keen. It was a pleasure to observe the smartness with which squad after squad of them, mostly well set up fellows, did physical drill.

“ I have never come across a more willing crowd of men,” remarked Major Brunt, camp commandant. “ You see, a very large percentage are rejects under the old voluntary system, and are keen to get away. They welcome their training here as giving them a chance which they have all along desired.” Major Brunt, after service on the western front, spent six months in training New Zealand convalescent soldiers at Codford. Captain Wheeler, N.Z.M.C., supervising medical officer, also had considerable experience at Codford. A similar qualification is . held by Sergeant-Major Brown, of the instructional staff, who likewise possesses an Aldershot certificate. In

addition, special qualified phj'sical training instructors are included on the camp staff.

The whole of the officers and noncommissioned officers have the strictest instructions to take notes of any disability disclosed by any man during the course of training. The syllabus aims not at training men in the art of war. but solely at - building up physique and the ratification of certain disabilities which, under the present New Zealand standard, disqualify a man from becoming a soldier. The men being put through this are only men likely to become fit for active service beyond the seas alter special training, who have either been classified Ci in the first place, or have been reel issified as such bv the special reexamination board still touring the country. The course provides for one and a half hours’ physical drill daily, alternate' long and short route marches daily, short fatigue duty, plus a short lecture on the care of the feet,, teeth, etc., feet inspections and ordinary parade ground movements. In addition there is bathing parade at the river twice a week and organised recreations.