LEAVE SCHEME

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 1 December 1945, Page 6

LEAVE SCHEME

KIWIS IN ENGLAND ROUND OF ACTIVITIES Appreciation of all that has been done for them has been expressed by members of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. who have visited the United Kingdom under the leave scheme introduced after the end of the war. This is mentioned by Major S. C. Read, Commissioner for the National Patriotic Fund Board in England, in a recent report. In turn Major Read is enthusiastic about the way the men have behaved themselves. “A gratifying feature of the leave scheme,” he says, “has been the excellent behaviour of all ranks.” The introduction of the leave system and the presence of other New Zealanders from the Air Force and Navy awaiting transport to New Zealand made it necessary to make extensive arrangements for the welfare of the men. Some idea of the scope of this provision is given in Major Read’s report. The first party of 105 to go to England under the leave scheme arrived on 17th October, and there were regular daily arrivals until towards the end of the month, when bad weather in the Channel held up the parties for five days. At Calais an information booklet was issued to each man. When the New Zealanders arrived at Folkestone each man received a free issue of 60 cigarettes. In addition, New Zealand cigarettes and tobacco, chocolate or sweets could be purchased from the Y.M.C.A. canteen. The Y.M.C.A. provides at Folkestone a free cafeteria service and staffs an information bureau. Regular cinema shows are held and these are well attended. Reference is made by Major Read to the sleeping accommodation provided for the New Zealanders at the Milestone Club and the Fernleaf Club in London. There has been special provision for entertainment. A separate information bureau provides a theatre booking service, arranges sight-seeing tours, and private hospitality, and endeavours to answer the countless questions asked by the visitors.

Bus tours take parties to Windsor, Hampton Court, and other places of interest, each party being accompan-

ied by a competent guide. A nominal j charge of Is is made for a half-day i tour and Is 6d for a whole day, the ; remainder of the cost being borne by ' the patriotic funds. Dances are ar- j ranged, and the cost of these is also . met out of patriotic funds. Over 1000 were present at the first dance. Mention is also made by Major Read of the supplies of comforts and cash grants provided for each draft returning to New Zealand. This part of his work he regards as being highly important. He makes a point of seeing the officer in charge of each draft before it leaves and of suggesting how distributions may be made and the ( cash grants spent to the best advan- : tage of the returning personnel.