INTO NEW CAMP

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20956, 8 November 1939, Page 6

INTO NEW CAMP

TROOPS MOVE NORTH CHANGE TO PAPAKURA MEN PRAISE NEW QUARTERS Marching in columns of threes past the sentries and onto the railway siding to entrain for the new Papakura mobilisation camp yesterday afternoon, the troops who left Hopu Hopu set off full of expectation for the future. None was displeased to leave Hopu Hopu, because the superior accommodation at Papakura had been well publicised. Moving out of the camp which had given them their first month’s training in the army and made soldiers out of the rawest of recruits, the troops could not have failed to speculate on the possibilities of war. It was their first big manoeuvre, but this time they knew their destination. Next time they move the future may be more obscured. Nearly all the troops now believe in their own minds that active service overseas is in store for them from about the first week of next year. Arrival At New Camp The journey away from Hopu Hopu was made by train as far as Tironui station, where the troops detrained and, carrying full web equipment, kit-bag, great coat and other gear, formed column of route to enter camp. At the gate they were given a salute by the smartlytrained guard which had been watching over the new camp for some time past. Immediately the men arrived they realised that Papakura was a far better camp than Hopu Hopu. There were more homely comforts. Main pleasure of the Papakura soldiers last night was the fact that the food was ever so much better than that which ■ had been served at Hopu Hopu. Now that there are only 1000 men remaining at Hopu Hopu, however, the facilities will be better suited to cater for the mess, and an improvement in the food at the camp is expected. At least, the soldiers remaining at Hopu Hopu hope that will be the case. SALVATION ARMY AT CAMP MOVED TO PAPAKURA The Salvation Army’s big marquee which has been the scene of some very fine entertainment for the troops at the Hopu Hopu camp since the outbreak of the war, has been transferred to Papakura. Adjutant A. Chandler, who has been at Hopu Hopu since the opening of the camp, has been appointed to Papakura. Captain A. Herring, of Wellington, arrived at Hopu Hopu yesterday afternoon to take up the adjutant’s duties. A big marquee for the army is at present being railed to Hopu Hopu, but in the meantime two small tents have been erected. A piano and radio are urgently required for Hopu Hopu. Major A. Bartlett, officer in charge of the Salvation Army in Hamilton, will receive any donations.

RESTORED TO ARMY

COLONEL N. L. MACKY APPOINTED TO 21st BATTALION TO BE LIEUTENANT-COLONEL (By TelegTaph.—Press Association) AUCKLAND, Wednesday One of the four officers who were posted to the retired list last year, following the issuing of a manifesto expressing the view that a statement on defence made by the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, was inadequate, Colonel N. L. Macky, has been restored to the Reserve of Officers of the New Zealand Military Forces. He has been appointed to command the 21st (Auckland) Battalion in the second echelon of the second New Zealand Division. With other officers of the echelon from the northern military district, Colonel Macky will enter camp at Narrow Neck today for a refresher course. He is dropping a “star” to take the appointment as lieutenantcoloneL

SOLDIERS’ AMENITIES

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN NAMED ißy Telegrapn.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Tuesday The Parliamentary committee appointed toward the end of the session to deal with such questions as soldiers’ accommodation, comforts, amenities and recreation met today, when the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. W. E. Barnard, was selected as chairman. The committee is to meet again tomorrow.

MAORIS EXAMINED

MEDICAL BOARDS SIT 64 PER CENT FOUND FIT This week 46 of the Maoris who enlisted for active service with the Maori Battalion were medically and dentally examined m the No. 4 military area. The figures show that 64 per cent were found to be fit for active service.

Of the 46 examined, 27 Maoris were fit for active service, 14 were temporarily unlit and five were permanently unfit. It was noticeable that the Maoris who came from the backblock districts were in better physical condition than those living nearer town. Those examined in Hamilton were of relatively poor physique, only three out of 15 being fit for active service.