ANTI-TANK BATTERY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20142, 11 January 1940, Page 4

ANTI-TANK BATTERY

NEW ZEALAND UNIT TRAINING IN ENGLAND MEN BUY PEAKED HATS LONDON. Dec. 19 The New Zealand Unit training as an anti-tank battery has achieved a cherished ambition. It now has New Zealand peaked caps to wear for walking out and ceremonial occasions. The men actually paid 10s each of their own money, after arranging with a firm of hat makers to supply them. The New Zealand Government hud promised that the unit would receive the hats, but that it would not be immediately. The men preferred not to wait for an indefinite period and no opposition was raised against their placing the order. Training is proceeding but there have been one or two cases for delay. More equipment is required if faster progress is to be made, but this is not immediately available. There also has been a certain amount of sickness, including measles, influenza and heavy colds. Accidents to members of the Rugby fifteen have put a few men out of action temporarily.

■Every man is to receive seven days’ Christmas leave. This does not mean that they will all leave camp at. the same time, but that they will be allowed away in groups. Every man has also had a Christmas parcel from the New Zealand Women's Association and the New Zealand Society. The traditional fare on Christmas Day in the army is ham and eggs for breakfast, and pork and turkey for dinner. In the artillery it is the tradition for the sergeants to wait on the men. and this custom will be observed this year. The New Zealanders are arranging an evening’s entertainment for the men who will not be away < n leave.

The football fifteen has won three matches and lost '.wo.• Their strength will be greatly depleted over the Christmas period. An effort was made to start a soccer eleven, but the idea has been abandoned. Some of tie men run with a local pack of beagles. Classes in French and Spanish are held regularly twice a week, and there is a steady attendance .