THEIR SPARE TIME

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21603, 4 January 1945, Page 6

THEIR SPARE TIME

AIRMEN IN ELLICES SWIMMING AND FISHING (R.N.Z.A.F. Official Nows Service) FUNAFUTI. Dec. 13. Despite the intense heat —they are within a few degrees of the Equator and tlie sun just now is to their south at midday—airmen stationed at Funafuti, in the Ellice Group, are agreed that conditions might be a lot worse. Their living quarters are comfortable, and swimming, fishing, and daily picture shows help t.o while away the off-duty hours. Near the airmen’s quarters a diving board and short jetty have been constructed, and here at all times of tlie day and often during tlie evening is to be found a group of New Zealanders doing their best to keep cool in the lagoon. Fishing in the clear waters inside tlie wide, circular reef which goes to make tlie atoll of Funafuti is excellent: and the multicoloured fish, some -striped unbelievably in green, crimson, red and yellow, provide good eating.

In the evenings there is always a full attendance at tlie outdoor picture theatre, and tlie sight of a full moon shining down through leaning coconut palms on a rowdy audience shouting its approval or disapproval of tlie screen fare is not one to be easily forgotten. Many of the men have made their own lounge seals, on which they paint strict “reserved” notices.

Tlie men sleep in huts with wire, low eaves and gauze sides. These are

shady and allow any draught to pass through the walls.- The heat at night makes sleeping under even one blanket unnecessary, and onlv a light covering is required. Fortunately there are no mosquitoes on the atoll Meals, consisting of service rations, naturally suffer from an inevitable sameness, but this is avoided as far us possible by flying up fruit and vegetables from Fiji whenever aircraft-■ space is available. Drinkiiu; water is obtained with an evaporating plant which uses Die sea water, while rain water collected from the roofs of huts is used for washing. In many cases ingenious and efficient showers have been constructed with the aid of 40-gallon drums coupled together with piping. The Only Luxury The only luxury on Funafuti is the beer ration—one can of iced beer a day per man. Since only air transport is available Die canteen carries only bare necessities, but the position is steadily improving as the camp becomes better established. Coconuts are always on hand to provide a cool drink, and many of the men are fast becoming expert at stripping the coconuts in the native fashion with a pointed stick mounted firmly in the earth. The health of the airmen is excellent. there having been no cases of sickness so far. A coat of tan is only a matter of a few days, and the New Zealanders generally give the impression of being very fit. with o surprising lack of lassitude.