N.M.R. HUMOUR

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 44, 21 February 1942, Page 11

N.M.R. HUMOUR

It was on a leave train from one of the many points at which the National Military Reserve are now operating. There were in the company many veterans of bygone wars, officers, n.c.o.'s and other ranks, including the railway guard who also knew the smell of gun powder from past service and could join in the conversation. It was revealed that there was on board, in a distant coach, an officer who had earned for himself, rightly or wrongly, in the last war a reputation of being the champion "scrounger" of the N.Z.E.F.—a notable distinction!

Somebody ventured to bet the guard that he wasn't game to tell the officer of the reputation he held in the Service. But the guard was game all right. He approached the officer in question, told him what he had heard and added: "I was advised to keep an eye on you at Newmarket in case you tried to get off the train with a whole carriage in your pocket."

It was the darkest hour before the dawn and the post commander was "doing his rounds." He heard a rustle in the undergrowth and saw a dark blotch a few paces ahead. He challenged, got no response or password, and commenced stealthily to stalk the "intruder." Creeping on all fours into thickets, rouncl some and through others, with here and there "soft spots" into which he slithered, the commander solved the mystery and thought what a fool he was to expect the password from Herefords. * * * % I At a bathing parade at Nudist Bay, a shy lance-Jack arrived with full-length costume. **- * * The arrival of the pay sergeant is the most important and vital event of life at the vital points. There was great glee and pleasurable anticipation when this official arrived at one camp lately, but joy was turned to chagrin when he demanded from all ranks "specimen signatures only," please.