THE TAUHERENIKAU CAMP

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 265, 18 March 1911, Page 4

THE TAUHERENIKAU CAMP

LECTURE BY THE COMMAXDAXT. Bjr Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The camp of instruction held at Tauherenikau to lay the foundations of the new defence scheme was brought to a close to-day. General Uodley, commandant of the forces, in an interview, said the camp had been of inestimable value, it had enabled the whole of the commanding officers to witness and discuss concerted movements. He could hardly lay too much stress upon its importance. The great object had been achieved ot» securing uniformity in training methods. During the final week of the camp a programme of lectures and field operation was carried out.

Following on a lecture by Captain Hamilton upon drill, General Godley laid great emphasis upon the necessity of thorough drill, stating'that when the Japanese reserves first joined tba armies in Manchuria they were put through a drill course for six weeks, in spite of the fact that they had undergone a severe course of field training before leaving Japan, the reason being that they lacked that steadiness which was so essential to success when under fire. On another occasion the commandant asked all officers present to note the arrangements of the camp, which had been laid out by Captain Browne, and could be taken as a model. The arrangements were all the outcome of the bitter experience of neglect of sanitary precautions. General Godley also laid stress'on the necessity of using broadtoed boots in marching. The final morning was devoted to battalion drill, and a lecture on discipline was given by Colonel Heard, at the conclusion of which General Godley laid stress on the example which all who had been trained in the camp should set to the force at large. He thanked all ranks for the way they had worked in enmp, and lie expressed the hope that shey would continue to set a nigh example of discipline and efficiency to the defence force generally, Colonel Robin, C.8., who has been aasisting throughout in all matters of organisation, has made arrangements for the disposal of the horses which were purchased for use in the camp. A proclamation calling on all those liable for service to register themselves will be posted on April 3rd.