Recreation leave in Chch for U.S. men

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33064, 3 November 1972, Page 3

Recreation leave in Chch for U.S. men

A number of United States servicemen who are part of the United States Navy Antarctic support force will this year be given the opportunity of spending seven days rest and recreation leave in Christchurch.

For most of these men, Christchurch is but a brief stop on their way to the Antarctic. According to a United States Navy spokesman, few see much of New Zealand scenery other than Memorial Avenue. Between 160 to 200 men i will be involved. The decision ;to allow each of them who ;will be spending the winter in the Antarctic the opportunity of leave in Christ- ' church was made by the commander of the support force ; (Captain A. N. Fowler). The programme, says the commander of the Navy base at Christchurch Airport (Commander R. G. Davis) has been code named “Kia Ora,” the Maori word for welcome, and since the beginning of the United States Antarctic programme the word which best describes the spirit shown by New Zealand citizens towards the Americans engaged in work in the Antarctic.

“The natural beauty of New Zealand, the opportunities it offers for recreation, and the hospitality and friendliness of its people have been among the warmest memories of Americans pass'ing through New Zealand on

their way home from the Antarctic,” Commander Davis says.

“The programme is intended to increase the opportunities for Navy staff to appreciate this delightful country, while strengthening friendly relations on a per-son-to-person basis.” Commander Davis says that the men would like to hunt, fish, and visit farms. He asks that anyone who would like to have an American sailor in his home or on his farm for a few days should telephone 583-079, asking for “Project Kia Ora.”