A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 81, 30 December 1940, Page 7

A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER

N.Z.E.F. In Britain HANGLCOOKED PIGS FOR MAORIS BRITAIN, December 27. Neither the novelty of a winter Christmas nor the limitless hospitality of the English homes in which many of them are guests can displace envy from the foremost place in the thoughts of our troops. 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 elect where to be today, nine put of 10 would choose the Western Desert. Nevertheless, this has been a Christmas to remember. 'Two hundred and fifty men travelled to Loudon to be guests at a dinner at the New Zealand Forces’ Club, where the home atmosphere was particularly strong. In every camp messroom, however, there was something marking a connexion with New Zealand, often pudding, pooled from the Patriotic Fund parcels. The expected ration of New Zealand lamb failed to materialize.

The. Army’s only official contribution to the festivities was an issue of pork instead of beef, whicli was compensated for by issuing bully beef and biscuits on Boxing Day.

■ Most units used the Patriotic Fund’s eash contribution of 1/6 a man to provide extra food, sweets and drink. 'The whole of the Maori Battalion dined in camp, and the .special preparations included the cooking of a number of gift pigs in the native fashion. Many men of other milts dined out privately, and many more could have done, so, as invitations continued to flow in till the last .moment. The grey coldness of the Christmas forenoon was relieved by a general rum issue. Letters posted in New Zealand between October 17 and 25 were delivered to the troops on Christmas Eve. and parcels are being distributed today. This was an outstanding mail. Letter postings up to November 5 had arrived earlier. The troops have now received every mail dispatched before amt up to November 5.