NEWS OF THE BOYS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32417, 12 April 1944, Page 5

NEWS OF THE BOYS

PAEROA MEN IN PACIFIC MAINLY TRAINING WORK ACTIVITIES IN THE ISLANDS “It is just midnight and I am on guard duty, so am taking this chance to drop you a line or two, to tell you a little of the local lads and thenhealth, etc.,” writes Pte. L. O. Berry of Paeroa in a letter to the Hauraki Plains Gazette. The letter continues as under: — Things are very quiet up here nowadays. The enemy has been quietened for all times in this area and we are on the usual army duties and training which is not very exciting. Last week our company did a trip right around the island ’by sea. It was a break for us, and we called at several little beaches where our troops were stationed so I was lucky enough to see one or two of the lads fiom home and to hear of the others. We are also being given training to keep our aim and eye in. We have had mock battles with live rounds. It sounds well but it is not near the same as when you have an enemy who is capable of shooting back. Still its a necessity I suppose. We have climbed to the highest points of the island with full equipment for battle. It is hard work over muddy tracks, through heavy bush at times, ropes having to be used to help pull men and gear over steep ridges. Still the boys are all in good condition and although they growl about it they do their best and its a good job. They are lads to be proud of. Greetings To Paeroa Now for a few names. We had a very welcome visit a week back from Flight-Sgt. Frank Coxhead who was in this area for a short time. He is looking very well, a little on the heavy side for those brilliant 100 yd. sprints he used to put up a year oi so ago. He sends a cheerio to all his folk and many friends in Paeroa and hopes to be home for a spell in the near future—lucky lad. Roy White, another member of the Paeroa Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club is well but I think he will have to be turned out on the grass as fai as his washing speed is concerned. He sends a cheerio to all at home. Lionel Smith looks fit and well but he is still a little fond of the hospital and it’s not the nurses, for they aie males, “worse luck” but he is back on the job again. He sends best wishes to his wife and his folk at home and his many friends.

Snowy Williams is in the pink and counting the days until we sail for home —aren’t we all. He too, sends a cheerio to all at home. Gordon Gamble I have not seen lately but I have had news that he is well and still doing a great job. With him is his friend John Clark who is also well and is kept busy these days. I know they would wish to say hallo and a cheerio to all. John Fowler is still on the watercart although we have had an issue of beer lately. John is connected with supplying water for the troops. He is his bright self and is fit and well. He sends his regards and best wishes to his wife and his folk and friends. Frank Trembath is well and on' the job. He misses brother Jim Trembath who has gone a step further on but from all reports is having a safe, quiet time of it. Both are looking forward to a home-coming this year.

Nick Alley, still the same old Nick, taking everything in his stride as it comes along, good and bad. He said to tell Pat Corbett to keep up stocks as this has been a very dry area for us this last 15 months.

' Gus Norton still doing a great job with the pots and pans—a hard, thankless job in the army. He sends a cheerio to his folk at Omahu. The Hill brothers are here doing a job of work with our field hospital. All are well and send regards to all. Norm. Wing, late of the Farmers’ Trading Co., and a member of the old sports club, sends his regards to his Paeroa friends and a special cheerio to the Cridge family. I would also like to send my regards to them. Ron Ownes late of the Royal Mail Hotel, also a member oi the West Football Club would like to be remembered to his many friends. Young Bill Cranch sends a cheerio to his folk and wants them to know he is fit and well. Kay Niblock was talking to some of the lads. He is well and would welcome a spot of leave at home. He sends his regards to all his friends in Paeroa. Thames and the Coast Jack Barry from the Coast sends his love to his wife and wee Ann and the folks —he is still the same old handsome Jack. The army has not

spoilt the big lad. He is real well and says the mails are coming well. Ken Woods in the pink is fed up of the islands and looking forward tq seeing the harbour lights of Thames again soon, sends a big cheerio to all at home. Billy Dunlop hasn’t grown an inch yet. He is a very busy man these days. Has his little private workshop in full swing making novelties from odds and ends. He is well and sends a big cheerio to his family. Cardie McLoughlin is not in the best of health. A bit of ear trouble for a long time. I would love to write his views of our little army in general but the censor may object. He sends kindest regards to all.

Well, it is just on 1 a.m. by the clock and my time is nearly up so I must close now and I will add my kindest and best wishes to all my friends in Paeroa, and love to my wife and family, also my mother who is on a visit to Paeroa after being in Australia for many years. We had a huge parcel and paper mail a week or so ago and I received copies of the Gazettes from the middle of September until the end of January. We enjoyed every one of them and they are still travelling around. I