CHRISTMAS IN CAMP

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 199, 5 January 1942, Page 5

CHRISTMAS IN CAMP

TERRITORIALS ENJOY THEMSELVES LOCAL MAN'S LETTER Writing from Ngaruawaliia military Camp T'pr George Tweedie, the well known and popular drummer of the Whakatanc Pipe Band,, declares that he is enjojang every minute of his training. "I thought you might like to know how the Territorials spent their Christmas day in camp," he writes, "so I dropped you these few lines." Reveille sounded at 7 a.m., one hour later than .working days, roll blankets, wash, shave and dress for breakfast at 8 a.m. Menu: Porridge with cream, bacon and one boiled egg, tea, bread, butter and jam. After berakfast, a final polish of equipment and little adjustments to blankets and kit bags ready for inspection. 9 a.m. Church Parade in the parade ground where a Xmas service was held and hymns were sung to the accompaniment of the Auckland Mounted Military Band. We were free for the rest of the day (except the unfortunates who were on fatigue or mess orderlies). Dinner 12.30 p.m. Menu: Mutton, green peas, mint sauce, potatoes, steamed pudding with custard and cream, tea. During the afternoon a sports meeting was held lOttyds relay, tug of war, then a football match between the Artillery and Mounted Rifles. It Avas a very fast and exciting game, the supporters of either side appreciating any good points on either side. Tea was a surprise to most of the boys, being provided ouit of the canteen profits it was a minature banquet. The mess was decorated with streamers, balloons and Chinese lanterns for Xmas. The tables were a credit to those responsible. Soft drinks were neatly arranged, oranges piled pyramid fashion, topped by a packet of cigarettes, surrounded by walnuts and lollies. Flowers neatly arranged in empty lemonade bottles completed the 'ensemble.' The menu: Mutton, ham, lettuce salad with dressing, jellies, fruit salad and cream. The officers deputised as: Mess Orderlies for this meal and enjoyed the friendly 'barracking' of a few wags. Every one appreciated the meal so much that they elected one of the 'Old Boys' to move a vote of thanks to those responsible. After the boxing exhibitions were staged in an open air ring, some good bouts between champions of Auckland and Hamilton, bantam and fly weights. A community sing and concert in the Y.M.C.A. brought Xmas day to an end ten minutes before lights out at 10 p.m. In most cases this was the first Xmas siDent away from home so we all j hope it will be the last.