“HOWDY ANZACS'”

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3151, 31 July 1942, Page 3

“HOWDY ANZACS'”

WELCOME BY AMERICANS

“SWELL BUNCH OF GUYS”

PUTARURU AIRMAN’S COMMENT

“After disembarking we were billeted for five days at a United States Army camp, and the reception we received , was simply wonderful,” commented LeadingAircrdftman R. E. Worth, Royal New Zealand Air Force, son of Mr and Mrs E. (“Ernie”) Worth, of Putaruru, in a recent letter to his parents. “I have never had much of an opinion of the Americans, but since I have been in their midst I want you to know that they are the swellest bunch of guys I have ever met,” he added.

The narrator commented that at the town in which he was stationed beer gardens, something similar to New Zealand hotels, with the difference that all drinks were served for co - sumption *at z tables, were the or “Howdy, Anzacs,” and ‘‘Say, y™l boy, come over and have a drink us,” provided typical American greetings when the New Zealanders entered a beer garden. raderie was evident among thft.»»cers, Leading-Aircraftman Worth stating that a party of New Zealanders had been royally entertained at the Bl Rancho Beer Garden-the swellest joint in town— .by two 0 - eers of the United States An. Corps. ■‘Drinks in this place cost about 60 cents a time, which is about three chillings in our money, and as ‘shoX/ well, they just, wouldn’t "let you.” The beer gardens remained open until about 2.30 o’clock in morning, with orchestral music being provided for dancing. J Serious About The War However, - City was, generatty speaking, just about as tough a p ace as could be found anywhere, thoug the American quarter was very ern. A bunch of New Zealanders had explored the downtown saloons on night but had thought too their hides to drink in them.. Even seasoned Yankee troops who had been f n _ for two or three years kept well clear of back streets at night ‘deferring again to the Americans Referring -s ne . Aircraftman and the eamp, Leading caJl Worth commented that tne hospitality could uot have been tered The average American was free and easy, and would do anySng for the New Zealanders, but was very serious about the war an was very _ . at the all were just dying qw. e thiligs, particularly the ” which the officers treated the mtm.

No Petrol Restrictions Though New Zealand was supposed to be the best place in the worid f r food, Leading-Aircraftman Worth described the food in New “ eamps, compared to what the j.mii were receiving at —, as lou Xaverage dinner comprised roast chicken, pickled cabbage, tatoes, pineapple pie, and about as much ice cream as one would receive for a shilling at home. Oranges and bananas were usually available while the tables were even equipped with paper serviettes. The New Zealanders’ tents were situated under rows of coconut palms, and thus when the men were thirs y they could just climb the trees and help themselves. Each ddy four or five cars would visit the camp an take those of the men who wished to drive round the city and surrounding country. Incidentally there were no petrol restrictions, and petrol cost, about fid per gallon, while the cars were some of the best manufactured in Unfortunately -orders to pack up had prevented Leading-Aircraftman Worth from looking over the PanAmerican Stratoliner, which he saw arrive, and the Flying Fortress and Liberator bombers.