DEMOBILISATION.

Taihape Daily Times, 23 November 1918, Page 5

DEMOBILISATION.

LEAVING CAMP. DEMOBILISATION PROCESS. SOME BUSY SCENES AT TRENTHAM. Historic Trentham, the training, ground of many thousands of the world's best fighters, is this week undergoing the process of demobilisation Almost immediately after the official news was received that hostilities in Europe had ceased a special camp order was issued by the Camp Commandant, Colonel H. R. Potter, C.M.G., and every man is acquainted with the procedure of demobilisation. The keenness and martial spirit of the men has given, place to a feeling of merriment and a natural desire to get back to civil life. Commencing in the early hours of the morning the scene is one of continuous bustle, and the men are going through the ordered, routine with a good will. Only those who are quite free from influenza and other disabilities are permitted to leave the camp, and then only with the consent of the principal medical officer. Those who are still suffering from the prevailing malady will remain until it is quite safe to send them to their homes. The temperature of every man is taken by the medical officers before the final word is given. From the medical hut the men proceed to the dental hut, thence to the camp quartermaster’s stores. Hero they are required to hand over their military gear, but in cases where the men do not possess mufti outfits they are permitted to retain their military equipment on the understanding they will return it at the first opportunity A visit to the pay office —a very popular item with the men—follows, and the signing of the camp clearance completes the process of demobilisation as far as the men are concerned.

FEATHERSTON OPERATIONS Demobilisation continues at Featherston Camp, and several hundred men left for their homes on Thursday. The difficulty in arranging transport on. railways-and boats is now presenting itself, but just,as fast as the shipping companies and Railway Department can accommodate, the men they are leaving the, ;camp. The men in hospital,-of ~course, still require attention, and fatigues are necessary for this work, but convalescent men are being sent home, so soon as their period of isolation has expired. The camp staff has been working almost continuously during the past week, and the stores department has been starting ■at 5 a.m. daily and working on into the night. The clerks, both permanent and temporary, are also entering upon the great jjv.ork 'of demobilisation with a good will, and the rate of discharge increases as! the staff becomes more proficient.—N.Z. Times.