ADVICE TO TROOPERS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 90, 11 September 1914, Page 3

ADVICE TO TROOPERS.

GOOD HEALTH ESSENTIAL. " KEEP FIT FOR THE EMPIRE." . A pamphlet has been issued bv the Defence authorities setting forth instructions for the guidance of the members of the New Zealand expeditionary force. In the opening paragraph the" troop* are urged to keep fit. "Most Territorials," continues the pamphlet, "are interested in athletic sports, sueh as football, etc. New Zealanders have al'ways held their own in such sports, and the reason for it is that they have ,trained and kept fit. They are asked now to keep fit for the honor of the Empire. The experience in past campaigns has been that somewhere about three tunes as many are killed by dinease are are killed in warfare, "it is hoped that Xew Zealanders, by keeping fit, will reduce their death-rate to a minimum. Each individual must look after his own health, and look upon this as a sacred duty. Keep up all the while the kind of physical exercise you are used to."

Special stress is laid upon the necessity for cleanliness. ''As hot baths cannot be taken during war," proceeds the pamphlet, "the soldier must keep himself clean by rubbing the dirt off his body by means of a wet towel. . . The hair must be closely cut, and the head frequently washed. The mouth must be washed out every morning and the teeth cleaned with a toothbrush in order to prevent decay of the teeth." The pamphlet also urges the soldier to take special care of. the hands, feet and nails, which should be washed frequently so as to prevent the accumulation of germs.

Valuable hints are also contained in the pamphlet in regard to the cleanliness of underclothing, and the preparation of boots so as to prevent blisters on the foot.

It is pointed out that food is the source of bodily strength. "In war the body is specially in need of strength. Therefore, mo.re food must be taken. The results of taking more food are threefold—the soldier marches better, he can stand cold better, and he resists disease better. On tile other hand, excess in eating and drinking must be avoided. When tin: body is fatigued or hot after exercise it is better to wait a little before eating. . . . The soldier must acquire the habit of boiling water before drinking it." "Never consume any food or drink left behind by the enemy" continues the pamphlet. "Drinking tea, coffee or similar fluids, and the smoking of tobacco are refreshing and useful when the soldier is fatigued." Much useful advice as to how troops should conduct themselves when on the march is given. "The pace, must \te kept as even as possible during the inarch, and a stooping position must be avoided. (In going up-hill or against a wind the soldier should neither speak nor smoke. ... It is bad to drink

whenever you feel thirsty, as the more you drink the thirstier you become. The soldier must therefore restrain himself from acquiring the habit. If a large quantity of water is taken at one, draught when the, body is over-heated, had effects, even death, are apt to occur. Instead of drinking a large quantity at ones the soldier should first moisten his lips and mouth, and then swallow small quantity at a time. Swallowing a piece of ice or fnovv during a march is bad, and only creates a greater thirst." The pamphlet also contains much valuable advice in regard to bivouacking in snow, and other matters.