LEAVE IN TRIPOLI

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 32, 8 February 1943, Page 2

LEAVE IN TRIPOLI

DOMINION TROOPS WATERFRONT ATTRACTIONS N.Z.E.F. Official War Correspondent TRIPOLI, February 3. There is little gaiety—only fun of their own making—for New Zealanders who are now visiting Tripoli on leave. It is only day leave, for they must be out of the city by dark. But it is civilisation again, however restricted may be the life in the city of occupation. Most of their time the New Zealanders spend in sightseeing, with the Avaterfront as the greatest attraction. Fronted with palm trees are many fine buildings—theatres, hotels, casinos and clubs, which were once the playground for tourists. The main hotel still functions as such, but with none of its former splendour. Guests must provide the kitchen with their own food. There is water and electric light, and service of a sort continues. Outstanding on this fine waterfront is Hotel Uaddan, where only a few weeks ago German officers were quartered, and where Rommel occasionally dined. One of the best architectural features of Tripoli, the hotel has a theatre, casino and ballroom of magnificence which impresses the now well-travelled New The Italians are friendly enough. They appear willing to be helpful, and will go out of their way to direct soldiers wishing to find any place. English-spoken pictures are now being shown occasionally at the cinemas, and the troops of occupation have produced stage shows. Shopping in Tripoli holds no excitement. There are pipes to be had but no tobacco, fountain pens and razors and a few shawls, mostly of the tawdry kind, but little that is worthwhile. British military currency is used in the form of notes of all denominations. We are told that a. good proportion of the Italian population has remained and daily more people are to be seen on the sidewalks. No restaurants are open, but there are a few places where Italians will cook rations provided by the soldiers and transform bully beef into a most palatable dish.

Sergeant-Pilot R. E. O'Meara, aged 19, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. E. O'Meara, 5, Tui Crescent, Beachhaven, who has gained his wings in the R.A.F. He was educated at the Northcote High School and Seddon Memorial Technical College, wr>-?re he vas keenly interested in boxing, Rugby and swimming.