XMAS IN ENGLAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 308, 28 December 1940, Page 9

XMAS IN ENGLAND.

NEW ZEALAND TROOPS. LIMITLESS HOSPITALITY. (Prom the Official War Correspondent with the Second N.Z.E P. in England. Mr. J. H. Hall.) LONDON, December 27. Neither the novelty of a winter Christmas, nor the limitless hospitality of English homes in which many of them were guests, can displace envy from a foremost place in the thoughts of our troops here this season. The boys are having a wonderful time here, but ever since the battle for Libya began they have been openly envious of their comrades. If they could themselves elect where they would be to-day, nine out of ten would choose the Western Desert. Nevertheless, thus has been a Christmas to remember. Two hundred and fifty travelled to London to be guests at dinner at the New Zealand Forces' Clut>, where the home atmosphere was particularly strong. In every camp mess room, however, there was something marking the connection with New Zealand. Often it was pudding, pooled from Patriotic Fund parcels. The expected ration of New Zealand lamb failed to materialise. The army's only official contribution to the festivities was an issiv of pork in lieu of beef, which was compensated by issuing bully beef and biscuits. On Boxing Day, most of the units used the Patriotic Fund's cash contribution of 1/0 per man to provide extras of food, sweets and drinks. The whole Maori Battalion dined h' camp. Special preparations were made, including the cooking of a number of gift pigs in native fashion. Many men of other units dined out privately. Many more could have done so, as invitations continued to flow in until the last moment. The grey coldness of the Christina* forenoon was relieved by a general rum ration. But with it all the troops felt they were unfairly favoured compared with their comrades in the East, with whom they would gladly have changed places. Letters posted in New Zealand between October 17 and 2~> were delivered to the troops on Christmas Eve, parcels being distributed to-day. Thiis was an outstanding mail. Letter postings to November o have arrived earlier than expected, troops having now received every mail dispatched before and including November 5.