TROOPS ON TONGA

Evening Star, Issue 25046, 13 December 1943, Page 5

TROOPS ON TONGA

RECREATIONAL AMENITIES (Special.) WELLINGTON, Dec. 11. 'Back from four and a-half months' service in Tonga as a representative of the National Patriotic Fund Board, Captain It. Herbert, of Dunedin, in an interview, spoke highly of the co-opera-tion he had .received from the officer commanding the New Zealand troops and all other ranks on the island.

The appreciation of the troops for all that has been done for them was shown in a practical way some time ago by the board's receipt of a letter and a contribution of £25 to the patriotic funds. This week the officers conveyed their thanks in a letter, and referred to the helpfulness .of Captain Herbert and the work of his predecessor, the late Captain Paltridge. The troops at Tonga are on garrison duty, which, can 'be a monotonous job unless outside interests can be developed and sustained. The amenities helping to cater for the welfare of the men include recreation huts scattered all over the island, which have been equipped bv the Patriotic Board with table tennis gear and other K indoor games. There is a library service, and picture shows are held regularly, the men seeing at least two screenings weekly. A feature of the welfare activities' is the rest and recreation centre, to which the troops go in rotation to spend three days' leave in comfortable surroundings and where facilities . are available for enjoyable relaxation, swimming, tennis, and other forms of. recreation. At present, said Captain Herbert, different units <were engaged in a series of table tennis contests, for the finals of which trophies had heen provided. Not only the men, but also W.A.A.C.s and members of the nursing staff were taking part. Arrangements- had also been made to hold. a gymkhana at a later stage. Contests .such as these were of considerable bentefit to the men in helping to keep them up to the mark for the efficient discharge of their duties. **