ANTI-TANK BATTERY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 80, 15 January 1940, Page 3

ANTI-TANK BATTERY.

• THE NEW ZEALAND UNIT. TRAINING TN ENGLAND. LONDON, December 19. . The NeAV Zealand Unit training as an anti-tank battery has achieved a cherished ambition. It now has New Zealand peaked caps to wear for walking out and ceremonial occasions. The men actually paid 10s each of their OAvn money, after arranging with a firm of hat makers to supply them. The Ngav Zealand Government had promised that the unit- Avould receive the hats, but that it Avould not be immediately. The men preferred not to wait for an indefinite period and no opposition Avas raised against their placing the order. Training is proceeding but there have been one or two causes for delay. More equipment is required if faster progress is to be made, but this is not immediately available. There lias also been a certain amount of sickness, including measles, influenza and heavy colds. Accidents to members of the Rugby fifteen have also put a I’cav men out of action temporarily.

Every man is- to receive seven days’ Christmas leave. This does not mean that they Avill all leave camp at the same time, but that they Avill be allowed away in groups. Every man has also had a Christmas parcel from the NeAV Zealand Women’s Association and the Noav Zealand Society. The traditional fare on Christmas Day in the army is ham and eggs for breakfast, and pork and turkey for dinner. In the artillery it is the tradition for the sergeants to Avait on the men, and this custom will be observed this year. The Ngav Zealanders are also arranging an evening’s entertainment for the men who Avill not be aAvay on leave. The football fifteen has uoav won three matches and lost tAA’o. Their strength avi 11 be greatly depleted over the Christmas period. An effort Avas made to start a Soccer eleven, but the idea has been abandoned. Some of the men run with a local pack of beagles. Classes in French and Spanish are held regularly tAvice a Aveek, and there is a steady attendance.