W.A.A.C.'S DID THE WORK

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 123, 19 February 1944, Page 5

W.A.A.C.'S DID THE WORK

Own Swimming Pool Made Set among bush-clad hills which are i reflected in the water and which form natural protection from the wind, a ml sized swimming pool has been niade fiom a disused reservoir by W.A.A.C. s at their Miramar camp. The work was ■ done in their spare time and took only 30 days to complete. The pool was ohciallv opened on Thursday- by the Chief Commandant, N.Z. W.A.A.C.. .Mrs V. Jowett, after which a swimming carnival was held at celebrate tlu) event The pool is approached by a bush tiack and for the opening a Lmon Jack was hung from a manuka bough. Gi assy slopes nearby provide ideal sun bathing spots and at the far end. bush glows right, to the water’s edge. The M.A.A.C. S did the job themselves though they readily acknowledge the foresight, ingenuity and help of Corporal allace, who, with .other'male Army personnel, lent a hand when needed. . The W.A.A.C.s; armed ’ themselves with shovels, cleared the piled up mud from the bottom and put down a concrete foundation. When the pool was ready for nllin„, the dammed-up waters of the feeder stream were released slowly and now tne "iris are rewarded with a delightful swimming bath of spark.’ing green water, seven feet deep, completed even to a divin„ board The small cost incurred was ! borne by the girls themselves. . The baths wee: the result of industry, said Mrs. Jowett. By industry she meant devotion to duty, unity and absolute pleasure in working for a common cause. Ihe task had been accomplished m the girls spare hours and to utilize ones leisure moments thus showed that women could accomplish what they set out to do. "Girls all over the country are .going to be very envious cf you. she said, to the AV X X C ’s, this being the only swimmiu o pool at any of the Women’s. Army camps. Official visitors were Brigadier «. lliams and Colonel Breech, Central Mi - tarv District, and Mrs. D. Vhyte. Gen vraj District Commandant, N.Z.iv -A.aaj., who with Airs. Jowett, were received by fie camo commandant. Mis* Barron. The first event was a 2o yards free_stvlc race for W.A.A.C. 6 with months’ service or over. There were breaststroke, diving, and novelty events and an interdepartment relav race. Prizes, were from a “lucky dip” box from the canteen. , , • j Seated on the crass everybody enjoyed the picnic, afternoon tea provided, this being served on a grassy clearing nearby, at the conclusion of the races.