Around the Camps

Evening Star, Issue 21138, 25 June 1932, Page 11

Around the Camps

Hals Off to the Single Men! Relief Workers Keeping a Stiff Upper Lip Basic Conditions Satisfactory Social Life Needs Brightening .‘4li coal'd be worse; it could be better. "“On the whole, the food is good, but we could do with increased rations in certain lines. ” We would look on £1 a week as a fairer wage for the work we are doing.^ boots and strong working trousers are badly needed. ” “ What could we do with a wireless set and a few ■games such as scallywag, to fill in the long evenings? Ask yourselves.- “ Old books and magazines are always welcome.” “ Tell them down in Dunedin we ..re still alive and kicking and arc pleased to know that we are not beingforgotten.” “Yes, this is better than knocking round town.”

These remarks, which are intended to convey in brief the attitude towards relief camp life of the single men housed in the three main settlements, Omakau, line’s Junction, and Waipahi, arc culled from conversations that took place during the past two days between the workers and two ‘ Evening Star ’ representatives who set forth on a motoring tour to ascertain how the men were shaking down in their new surroundings. The dominant impression gained from the trip is that the single men’s camps are a distinct success, and that, with a little more attention from people who have not been forced to seek this form of relief from unemployment distress, the workers in the country will find the community life undeniably pleasant. Especially should this be so when the winter months are over. The men in all three camps appear to bo well satisfied with the basic conditions, for in most cases the food is voted quite good, and although some of the campers are still suffering from the lack of sufficient blankets, the sleeping accommodation has been made reasonably snug. Extra clothing, for which it is found impossible to pay out of the 10s per week and less that contitutes the weekly wage, is always in demand, while games and reading matter are eagerly requested. SOME LINES OF FOOD MEAGRE The Omakau camp, which accommodates forty-four men, is situated about three miles out of Omakau township on a back road to Lauder, and the fact that it has been erected within a line of willow trees indicates that those responsible for its establishment have placed it in a position that enjoys the best shelter available. One drawback is that the men have to walk from two and a-half to three miles daily to and from the irrigation race where they are actively engaged, thus rendering it necessary that a cold lunch should be carried. The afternoon’s toil and the return journey to the camp no doubt account for abnormally large appetites—especially in the case of the younger men—and it is possible that at times the rations may seem a trifle light. Any grouch about a food shortage, however, is tempered by the assurance from fair-minded and reliable sources that it is only in cer-1 tain lines of edibles that the supply is meagre. An ample ration of vegetables is available, but the fruit that is apportioned takes the form of a rather lonely issue of prunes and dried apricots. The workers spoken to were well pleased with the attitude of the farming neighbours towards them, but the opinion was expressed that the gift of apples with which to vary and augment the dessert dishes would be much appreciated. Perhaps the rural population of the district will respond to the suggestion that they would help to satisfy the gastronomic wants of the workers by sending in cases of apples from time to time. Of oatmeal, practically the one and only constituent of that valuable breakfast food, porridge, there is a decided shortage. Under the Public Works Department decree, which in turn emanates from headquarters in Wellington, only 2] lb are allowed for the forty-four men. Depression or no depression, it looks as though this quantity should bo greatly increased. Occasionally the meat is tough, if subjected to frying-pau treatment, and some of the campers do not react happily to an overdose of stew. The older hands, however, state that stews will “ do them ” as a winter article of diet. Thick meat sandwiches are prepared twice a week for the midday lunch, and on other days cheese is substituted for the meat. Thursday evening’s hot dinner comprised soup, corned beef, carrots, and potatoes, with prunes and rice as the pudding. An impasse some- j times arises when one or two men at a table claim more than their share of the rations, but it is considered that a little tactful supervision will do much to overcome this difficulty. In some instances without justification, the rationing scheme is viewed with distrust.

VALUE OF SELF-HELP The tents vary in comfort according to tho ability of the individual to conform to camp life. For the most part, tho sleeping accommodation is well appointed. Wooden floors are laid down and chimneys are built on. Without a doubt, however, there are many individuals who are suffering from a dearth of blankets. As is well known, tho Otago Central nights arc very cold, and it takes a goodly covering of bedclothes to repel the frosty air. The news that the social workers of the Dowling street depot were hastening on the distribution of blankets among the single men’s camps was gladly received, and it is to be hoped that not only tho generous citizens of Dunedin, but also those country people who have not yet attained a properrealisation of what unemployment distress moans to young men without homes, will do their best to make the campers’ nights warm and comfortable. WANTED-BOOTS. BOOTS, AND MORE BOOTS Strong, serviceable footgear and clothing—particularly underwear and working trousers—are always welcome. At present there is a distressing shortage of such nesessities. One of the men interviewed by the ‘ Star ’ reporters is a tailor, who states that if any people or firms care to forward material tor patching worn clothing he will be only too glad to operate needlewise on his companions’ garments. Cloth suitable for reinforcing knees is cited as an example of what is required. THE FUEL QUESTION The scarcity of fuel was recently one of the factors that caused a minor strike of about half a day’s duration, but it appears that practical efforts are now being made to set matters right. The ration of coal is being supplemented by wood, which is cut by a number of men specially told off to perform this duty, the firewood to be carted in by the Public Works Department for sorting out and rationing at the camp. Tho system of ventilating grievances is good. A committee consisting of one man from each of the gangs has been appointed, and when this body has considered a complaint worth passing on it interviews tho overseer, who passes on the representations to tho engineer in charge of the irrigation works. As in the case of most of the single men’s camps, the chief grouch is the small pay, which is intended by the department to average 10s a week. The men are unanimous on the point that they have to work hard “ getting tho stuff over the bank ” to earn as much as 10s under tho existing standard. The most successful gang last month earned only a little over 10s for each week. All the workers agree that they arc entitled to save a little money for the future as the fruits of this constant and useful work. Apparently they can hardly look upon tho present remuneration as anything more than pocket money with which to purchase toilet requisites, tho soothing weed, and a few edible titbits that vary the daily rations. RADIO SET WOULD BE WELCOME Social amenities are woefully lacking. There is no gramophone, no wireless set. * The winter nights are long and the camp is isolated. If some kind firm in town would give or lend a radio receiving plant the men would be only too willing to raise subscriptions to maintain the batteries. As a radio apparatus would place them in touch with the outside world, it is to be presumed that this would bo preferred to a gramophone, hut naturally it would be hotter still if both were forthcoming. Books and magazines are, of course, always much appreciated. MAJORITY SATISFIED Despite the grievances which have been enumerated, it is clear that the majority of the cam]) workers at Omakau arc making the host of (ho provision that Jins been organised on the!:* behalf, and, as they mainly hail

from Dunedin it is the duty of their more fortunate fellow citizens here to see to it that they do not lack the comforts such as can bo made available at small cost if a united effort is made to build up ihe supply. “ Far bettor than hanging round town,” was one man’s summing np of the whole position. “A much more comfortable camp than Limb's Pass,” was the verdict of another worker who has had twelve months’ experience of this kind of life. GH TO RAE'S JUNCTION One of Omakau’s biggest advantages is that it lies in the driest part of Central Otago. Climatically, it is (o be preferred to Kao’s .1 unction (just above Beaumont) and very much lo bo preferred to Waipahi, the third of the larger type of camp. The ‘ Evening Star ’ men drew into the Bae’s Junction cam]) just in time to see one of the workers trying, with some difficulty, to push a barrow-load of wet clay through a soggy mass of the same substance to a convenient dumping ground. In response to representations this particular duty will be eased in the near future by the laying of plank runways, but the point illustrates the urgent need that exists for watertight boots. Many of the men are unsuitably shod for work among wet clay. The forty or so men engaged at this part of the road are busy cutting off or cutting through cliffs in order to eliminate awkward bends. As yet they are within easy walking distance of a substantial scboolbonse that affords thorn comfortable dining room accommodation, and consequently they are able to roll np at headquarters for the mid-day meal when the school bell tells them ” when.”

ALL’S WELL !N THE IWESSROOM -Vot a single complaint was made about Urn rations or their preparation, hut the dutiful cook himself, although also salislied with his lot, states that the provision of certain extras not only would help him to prepare tastier meals, but also would reduce waste to a minimum. Thus he explains that the presence of custard powder in the larder would be useful in helping to convert .stale bread into puddings. The .suggestion is thrown out that relatives, friends, and well-wishers of those workers might send up such extras or the, monetary equivalent. Mustard, sauce, and pickles arc never seen, and. as one week in the month has been lost through rain, Ihu men have been quite unable to raise their own fund for tho purpose. A lea urn is the chief cooking utensil that is needed. APPEAL FOR RECREATIVE GIFTS Mere, too, as at Omakan, 'Waipahi, and doubtless at other camps, donations of games and reading matter would he welcomed with gratitude. .Vaturaily enough, a wireless set ranks highest in the list of possible offerings. The campers are willing to raise enough money to keep the batteries charged, and the cook lias given tho assurance that he personally will operate the set and preserve it from the depredations of amateur experts and tinkcrors by running a loud speaker through into the dining room Irom his cubby hole. Scallywag, a game which stimulates tournament rivalry during the long evenings, is mentioned as another desirable acquisition.

The “eat more fruit’’ slogan is being kept before the workers in a practical manner through the generous supply of two sacks of apples a week from the Sunnydale orchard. Generally speaking, the bill of health is a clean one, but the medicine chest is short of (he wherewithal to combat minor ailments. At the moment some medicine effective in the banishing of colic, diarrhoea, and kindred stomach disorders, would be acceptable. The sleeping quarters appear as sung as could bo wished, and the request for extra blankets will no doubt bo met in due course through the commendable efforts of the Dowling street depotsocial workers and their helpers. In addition to boots, working clothes would tind ready ownership. "GOULD BE WORSE" At Waipahu a camp nearly forty strong in road-making personnel, the visitors found that they had been forestalled the previous day by Mr FJones, M.P., and they are in a position to do little more than corroborate the observations made in Thursday night’s issue. From the general veiwpoint the campers are satisfied with the conditions. They realise that they are not going to be neglected. “ft could lie worse and it could be better ” was the philosophical remark of a genial worker, whose opinions coincided with several others that were secured. The mud at this camp is being conquered by a network of drains, and a comprehensive drying apparatus gives the assurance that damp clothes need never be donned in the mornings. Some means or oilier of getting a bath would be a big improvement, and the cry for water-tight boots is heard on all sides.

SUGGESTION FOR GOVERNMENT The unanimity of opinion on the bout question in all ramps leads one to suggest that, if the Government cannot see its nay dear to add footgear to the list of articles it contemplates providing at a comparatively low cost from the Defence Stores,_ it should enter into a big contract with some firm for a special supply. The willingness ot the workers to pay a small sum for them over several pays should ease the strain on the departmental coffers. The help of farmers —particularly one who lent a three-horse teanrjfor the carting of firewood—is much appreciated. Heading matter and game? will be as warmly received at Waipahi as at other camps. Through these columns the camp wishes to acknowledge with thanks the gift of a parcel of books from Messrs Win. Brown and Co,, acconntanis. At both Backs .)unction and Waipahu practically the first words addressed to the ‘Evening Star’ visitors were expressions of gratitude for the daily despatch of newspapers. “ Von don’t know how much they mean to ns,” was a remark hoard more than once. Arrangements are now being made to send a batch of papers to Oraakau, which hitherto had been regarded as rather foo inaccessible to render entirely fresh Ihe nows of an evening journal.