TRENTHAM CAMP.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1422, 10 July 1915, Page 2

TRENTHAM CAMP.

TO BE REMOVED TO THIS district. Mr W. H. Field, M.P. for this constituency, asked the Government in the House to obtain a drier, warmer and healthier camp than Trenthara and yesterday the Government decided to immediately remove all men from Treni fham to various localities, including Waikauae, and Rauglotu. The removal began yesterday and large gangs of military and railway men were busy making preparation for the new scenes of military training. The localities selected, except for the mounted infantry, artillery and sixth reinforcements, are all in the Otaki electorate and the sites are located in sandy, dry, dune country. There will be no difficulty as to the water supply and all are adjacent to the railway. The proposal of the authorities to establish a camp at Bainessehas been abandoned owing to lack of water supply. The 1200 men to have been sent to this camp will go to Tauherenikau.

The land where the camp will he stationed at Raugiotu is owned by Mr Manawaroa Te Awe Awe (Roa Earkins). The land is considered by military experts to be ideal for military purposes.

It is the intention of the authorities to have the camp moved slightly each day so that the site will remain fresh and healthy. Artesian water will be obtained irom Mr McDonald’s dairy factory by means of 4in. pipes. In the meantime the Railway Department will supply water from Palmerston, with reserve tanks at the camp. The construction of the camps will be superintended by Captain Bishop. The camp will be situated about a mile this side of Raugiotu station, about midway between Foxton and Palmerston. The different sections of the Trentham men are to be located as follows ; Raugiotu.—Trentham Regiment,' 2,500 men. Waikauae.—-Seventh Reinforcements, 1200 men. Tauherenikau (near Featherston), The Mounted Infantry, Artillery and Sixth Reinforcements, 1200 men. Showgrounds, Palmerston N. — Miscellaneous units, numbering 400 men. The Trentham Regiment will be in its new quarters to-morrow, and the Sixth Reinforcement will leave Trentham to-morrow. Half the Seventh Infantry left Trentham for Walkanae yesterday morning. The men in the new camps will be provided with new tents. The camp at the Palmerston Showgrounds will include those in training as non-coms and officers. ROYAL, COMMISSION SET UP. The Prime Minister announced on Thursday that the following gentlemen had been appointed members oi the Royal Commission of Enquiry which is to conduct an investigation with regard to the sickness and general conduct of affairs at Trentham Camp Mr Justice Hosking. Mr William Ferguson (engineer to the Wellington Gas Company). Dr. A. A. Martin, of Palmerston North (recently returned from the front). The Commission is to enquire into the administration of the Trentham Camp during the present war so far as such administration relates in any way to the health, comfort, feeding, clothing, treatment and accommodation of the troops, and in particular to enquire into the following matters ; 1. The extent, nature and causes of sickness among the troops, 2. The extent and causes of mortality among the troops. 3. Whether due means have been at all times taken to prevent or minimise such sickness or mortality.

4. Whether an efficient system for the treatment of the sick has at all limes existed in connection with the camp.

5. Whether an efficient system of medical inspection of troops lias at all times existed. 6. Whether in any cases the sick have been neglected or improperly treated. 7. Whether undue delay has in any cases taken place in the removal of the sick from the camp to a hospital. S. Whether the proper notification has at all times been made to the relatives ol: the sick, and sufficient facilities given to those relatives to afford assistance or comfort. 9. Whether an efficient system of drainage, water supply and sanitation has at all times existed in respect of the camp. 10. Whether the camp is suitably situated, equipped and arranged for the purposes for which it is used. xi. Whether sufficient sanitary or other reasons exist for the removal of the camp from its present situation. 12. Whether the food supply to the troops has been at all times sufficient and of good quality and properly prepared and served--13. Whether the tents, huts and other accommodation for the troops have at all times been sufficient, suitable and proper for the purpose. 14. Whether in any respect the troops have been at any time exposed to undue and preventable hardships or discomforts. 15. Whether due care and competence have at all times been shown by the medical and other officers charged with the administration of any of the matters aforestated,