N.Z.E.F. IN ITALY

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 21, 26 January 1944, Page 4

N.Z.E.F. IN ITALY

THE ADVANCE BASE

WiUUEQUIPPED GAMP' (Official War Correspondent, N.Z.E.F.)

CAW.Q. January 20.

Situated in at; oak plantation in Southern Itajy, the New Zealand advance base, although still in the process of establishment, is. fast being transformed into a permanent camp a.s, roads replace muddy tracks and huts spring up among we trees. The camp is on down land, in the centre of an agricultural area, and is, ?00 feet ahove the sea. Since the establishment of the advance base three months ago, only winter conditions have been experienced, 'but a fair comparison of the climate would be with Waikato, although it seems colder to men who have spent several years in Egypt. The preliminary roadmg for the camp was done by New Zealand engineers, but now that they ape in action with the division the work is. carried on by reinforcements, the Maoris particularly showing marked skill. As the gamp is on rising ground the drainage is good. Water and electric light have been laid on. Compared with other camps m Italy the New Zealanders are much better equipped. Considerable attention has been paid to the provision of amenities and relaxation facilities, because [the camp is some distance from the nearest towns. A commodious Lowry hut has been built, with,-open fires, and the V.M.C.A., which' was early established, provided a library and a buffet service. Missen huts are now being erected for recreation centres, writing rooms, and canteens. New Zealand goods are available in the present tented canteens as supplies come forward. In the wet canteen wine, the standard drink, of the country, is available in 1 limited quantities. The rations are good and include Argentine chilled beef of the best quality, The majority of the men when on leave visit Bari, where a New Zealand Forces Club is now established. Difficulty was met in providing football grounds as most of the land is stony or under cultivation, but the New Zealanders are determined on the question of Rugby, so a stony land is already being cleared. A nearby, market established by the [Italians sells oranges, apples, nuts, and figs. • The camp. accommodates permanent administration staffs, reinforcements, and men returning from hospiItals The stay of the reinforcements is usually brief but is made as comfortable as possible. With the advent, of fine weather the men express them- [ selves well satisfied with the new camp. ACTIVE PERIOD AT HOSPITAL. One New Zealand hospital, situated towards Bari, looks, back with pride on the record of recent weeks, during which it not only cared for large admissions of wounded and sick, but virtually built the hospital around the patients. Although the two large buildings being used for the hospital were designed for that purpose they were only partially completed when the New Zealand unit moved in. Now the majority of the wards have been completed but hundreds of workmen are still puttin- on the finishing touches. The patients do not seem to mind the presence of the workmen, for they add interest to the routine. This hospital has the distinction of being one of those chosen for experimental use of the new "wonder-drug" pennicillin, which is now being largely used with gratifying results. A Scottish pennicillin specialist has been attached to. the hospital for some time for special research work. One of the most common ailments of, the last war trench feet, has again appeared as the result of the winter conditions. The evacuation of patients from the front to the hospitals is a far greater problem here than in the desert, but the fastest possible means of transport are used. The New Zealand hospital, like others, had a very busy time after the air raid against Bari harbour last month, when dozens of patients were treated for burns, cuts, and the effects of blast and immersion in the water. The hospital authorities are proud of the splendid way the New Zealand nurses and y.A.D.s worked at this time.