ANNUAL TRAINING

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12612, 24 November 1926, Page 7

ANNUAL TRAINING

WELLINGTON REGIMENT IN CAMP STRENUOUS ACTIVITY AT TRENTHAM ELEMENTARY AND ADVANCED WORK No time has been lost by the Ist Battalion Wellington Regiment now in camp at Trentham in getting actively to work on its training. Although a proportion of the officers and n.c.o.’s as well as most of the men who at present do not attend parades at night, have been in Camp since Wednesday evening, the bulk of the men arrived on Saturday afternoon. The accommodation provided—except the messing rooms—consists of tents, which were pitched by the early arrivals. This is rather a new departure, for in recent years the huts already erected at Trentham have provided ready-built shelters. There is, however, a certain advantage in a tented camp—it divides the men into their sections, and enables the junior 'n.c.o.’s to gain better experience in the handling of small bodies of men —thereby increasing their initiative and individuality; and furthermore, the men are enjoying the life in spite of sundry showers of rain on Saturday and Sunday nights. On Saturday afternoon the men arrived about 3 p.m., and assembling as a battalion on the parade ground, were addressed by the commanding officer (Lieut.-Colonel R. L. Evatt, V.D.); after which they proceeded in rotation for the issue of bedding, etc., tlie. companies not so employed being , meanwhile engaged and even in carrying out a certain amount of training.

On Sunday morning organisation into platoons in sections was completed, and the men reteived instruc-

tion in the laying out of kits for inspection. After lunch a church parade was held in the cinema hall (conducted by the Rev. H. E. K. Fry, chaplain to the forces), and this had just concluded whan the visitors from town appeared in camp. The Regimental Band, a considerable proportion of which is remaining in camp for the whole period, played selections for the entertainment of visitors. ADVANCED TRAINING Monday broke brilliantly fine, and the men set to work with goodwill under their officers, to carry out the syllabus of training carried down. This is somewhat of a more advanced standard than that of last year. Two companies per day are carrying ouE their musketry course on the rifle range, whilst the remainder continue the general syllabus. In this it is arranged that these men who attended camp last year after a certain revision of the more elementary work go on to the more advanced, while the recent recruits are receiving ; a greater amount of elementary training. The chief point about the work of the camp so far is that everyone is busy about something—which will lead to greater efficiency. Men who are busy have usually very little time .to be unhappy, but judging from appearances there is not one who does not seem to be happy and thoroughly enjoying the experience. Not only are the men happy, but they are actually exceedingly: pleased to do their best. This keenness is stimulated to a certain extent by the in-ter-platoon and inter-company competitions for which’ the awards are two silver cups. Owing to the extensive increase in the population of the Hutt Valley it was found necessary some months ago to organise another company to the battalion, so that it now consists of headquarters wing and live companies —one above the establishment—-a total of 31 officers and 850 rank and file being actually in camp. 10f the officers no less than 14 have seen active service in the field.