New Zealand

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 238, 17 March 1915, Page 5

New Zealand

TIIE I?EINFOIJUOMENT SYSTEM, Auckland, March 15. "Tin; system of sending a reinforcement contingent every two months will lie coutimud until tln> end of the war." said till! Minister c;f Defence in tlift course of his statement to-day. "There are now two contingents in training at at and the present scheme of training two drafts, one witli two months the start of the other, will lvcontinued. A longer period of training is now being given to eacli draft than formerly, .and oll'iccrs and non-commis-sioned olliccres are receiving more than the men. Those for the sixth reinforceIn en t are already in camp, and the men for that contingent will be assembled in about a month." I

, HUTS AT TREXTHAM. Permanent accommodation is to be provided at Trcntliam. Air Allen said the tents which had been in use since the camp was established were becoming worn and could he replatcd only at a considerable cost and dilliculty. A sample hut for ofliccrs, and another for men, had been erected, and these were inspected by him on Saturday. Some alterations in the original design were'consider 1 necessary i and when these had been determined specifications would be carefully prepared and a. contract would be let for the erection of huts to accommodate 4001) c liini's and men. A complete j system of drainage was being installed, and generally the cainp was being made I comfortable for the more severe oondi-1 tions of winter.

A BASE HOSPITAL. Referring to tlio scheme for tlie erection of a hospital ut Treiitham, Mr Allen said that plans bad hern prepared hut had not yet been Jinally approved, as lie had referred them to a hoard rm a report, It would eontain l!i or IS bed-; and a stall of three or four nurses would lie appointed. Mr Allen said sullieicnt funds had already, he believed, been subscribed to cover the whole cost of .erectting and equipping the hospital. Many pcojilo wore anxious to contribute towards its equipment, and in order that their assistance may he usefully emnloyployed he had asked for details of the equipment necessary for the institution. As soon as he received the report lis would make the information public.

RETURNING FROM iSAMjGA. ' Auckland, March 10. Ml' Allen states that the Samoan garrison will return shortly. After their arrival the relief force will be dispatched. Some leave will lie given to the men cm their return from Samoa. then they will proceed to Trenthnm to join the fifth contingent.