SUMMER CAMP AT PICKWORTH

Ministry of Labour experiment

ANNEXE TO THE BOURNE INSTRUCTIONAL CENTRE

REGARDED as an annexe to the Ministry of Labour's instructional centre at Bourne, the first of a number of summer camps was opened at Pickworth on Thursday.

There are 250 men regularly in training at Bourne, and it is proposed to increase this number by placing another 150 at Pickworth, making a total of 400.

On Thursday, 50 men were drafted to Pickworth, and this number will be augmented until the total strength reaches 150. The manager at the new camp will be Mr Charles Edward West, of Ipswich, who has been with the training department of the Ministry for a number of years on overseas training.

The object of the camp is to improve the employability of the unemployed men from the depressed areas, who, without the training and instruction provided at the centres, would be unfit for steady work, either locally or elsewhere. The course will not exceed twelve weeks and normally will last ten weeks. Men in training will be principally employed on forestry work, i e clearing bush and scrub for re-planting of the cleared areas, drainage, fencing, etc. All training will be performed in the open air.

Arrangements will also be made to organise such physical exercises and pursuits as are likely to further the main purpose of the course. For inclement weather, indoor lectures and physical exercises have been included for introduction into the training curriculum. Provision has also been made for recreational activities after working hours, viz; football, cricket, boxing and indoor games.

ENJOYING LIFE UNDER CANVAS

A concert was given to the men the first night under canvas and was greatly enjoyed. The men in training are living in bell tents, and marquees are used for dining purposes.

Great enthusiasm and keenness is shown by the trainees, both at work and recreation, and they enter into the spirit of camp life with zest and a determination to make life under canvas as a great success.

A great amount of work in preparing the camp site has been carried out in a very short space of time, all work of erecting camp kitchens, ablution and water services and excavations having been undertaken by the staff and trainees.

A noticeable feature in this connection also is the fact that a great deal of the work has been done outside working hours and by trainees who volunteered to build their new home in their leisure time.

The site is adjoining the Great Pickworth woods and is beautifully situated in equally lovely scenery, the natural woodlands all around lending their colouring to a most delightful and pleasing feature.

The efforts make by the Ministry of Labour to extend training should prove very successful and most beneficial.