REST PERIOD

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 10 March 1944, Page 5

REST PERIOD

AMERICAN DIVISION IN N.Z. STRICT EMPHASIS ON GOOD CONDUCT Auckland, March 9 A sincere effort is obviously being made by an American division now encamped in country distiicts in New Zealand to make its stay mutually pleasant for the civilian population. Its first stay in New Zealand was when it was stationed here on its way to the Solomon Islands late in 1942 and early in 1943. Now it is having a rest period after a long period of island service, including a bitterly-fought campaign in New Georgia, where it captured Munda airfield, and its command is - doing everything possible to retain the excellent reputation it gained during its first stay. Great care is taken to supervise the conduct of the men on leave. Orders on the camp notice boards place emphasis on the responsibility of the individual soldier to do nothing that will briiig himself, his division, or his country into disrepute. One such order concludes significantly that those who do not “play ball” will find that life in New Zealand is a succession of details or duties about camp.

The command wants the division to benefit from its rest and recreation period, and liberal provision has been made for the enjoyment of the men. However, it is insisted that enjoyment should be consistent with maintaining the respect of the population, and failure to obey instructions is very soundly punished. Of special l satisfaction to the command is the fact that division’s arrest rate is very low. Though it is realised that sometimes this is of little significance, comfort is taken on this occasion from the fact that the military police are themselves supervised in tbe execution of their duties by patrols of inspecting officers, whose responsibility is directly to the commanding general. This officer, who in private life is a well-known Vermont attorney, is also determined to keep the division's accident rate to a minimum, thereby safeguarding equally the lives of soldiers and civilians. All the motor vehicles have to observe a speed limit of 30 miles an hour, reduced to 20 miles an hour in the city' of Auckland. Breaches of the rule are severely punished. Last week an officer who w f as beI ing driven in an army vehicle found doing 35 miles an hour in a rural area j was fined 50 dollars and was ordered to be confined to camp for seven days. ' This is the standard punishment for officers who are not allowed to drive i vehicles themselves, and it's effect may Ibe judged from the fact that seven days is about one-quarter of the rest period ! which the division will enjoy before j going on to training, while 50 dollars ;is a sum for which any man on leave 1 can find many uses. Leave is generous. Daily duties are confined to necessary rhaintenance and organisation, and to* other essential details, and as much leave as possible is granted either to neighbouring towns or the city, though the numbers coming each day to the latter are carefully restricted to a definite percentage.

In addition to daily leave periods, the policy is to grant every man up to 10 days’ furlough to enable him to see as mych as he can of New Zealand. Army ! transport is allowed in all cases where the command is satisfied the furlough is going to be used beneficially, so that it has become possible for the men to travel fairly widely without imposing extra strain on civilian transport. However, while many of the men go fo places where they can fish or swim, sail yachts or dance, see well advertised tourist resorts, or merely get as far • away as they can from camp, others j have shown a very definite predilecJtion for farm life. Numbers of them are spending their furlough with New Zealand farming families, helping them with the work and at the same time benefiting from the healthy rural life and excellent food. NINE SOLDIERS HONOURED Auckland, March 9. With a band playing and flags gaily fluttering, a parade of an American infantry battalion was held in the Auckland outer domain this afternoon to do honour to nine soldiers who were decorated for heroism and gallantry under fire and other outstanding service in the memorable Munda campaign on New Georgia Island. It was a colourful spectacle and was witnessed by a large gathering of the general public.