A CONTENTED CAMP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21201, 6 June 1932, Page 6

A CONTENTED CAMP.

COROMANDEL CONTINGENT. CHEERFUL RELIEF WORKERS. NO GROUND FOR COMPLAINT.

BY G.H.J.

Being a member of the vast army of tinemployed and feeling that anything would be better than idling my time away in the city, I decided to go to camp. I joined the " Coromandel contingent," consisting of 64 men. We left Auckland one bright morning in the steamer Kawau. She was a full ship. These men, or shall I say youths, for they were mostly very young, had Eet out on their great adventure. They were quite happy and very expectant. The atmosphere of camp life, or community spirit, was manifest even on shipboard. Many were the subjects discussed, but depression was not one of them. Camp life and camp management were the main topics. It was apparent to all that the welfare of the camp depended on its proper management, and therefore a group of men was chosen to act as control committee.

County officials met us upon landing, and we were motored to the various hot-els in the township, where a good hot dinner was provided. We were informed that the men were to be divided into three separate camps, a number to be drafted to Coroglen, a small draft of six men to establish what is now known as Simpson's camp, the balance to proceed to Otama. After dinner, for which tivery one was most grateful, we left Coromandel on our long drive over the hills, to the other side of the peninsula, everybody very happy and full of excitement in anticipation of a novel experience.

Over the Hills. We. duly parted company with the Coroglen and Simpson's camp parties and continued on to Kuaotunu, a small township 10 miles beyond Whitianga afc the end of the motor road. Intense activity takes place here; every man is searching for his belongings;. Itis dark but there is no confusion arid no complaints, but plenty of laughter and joking. Finally every man is " set," the pack horses are loaded with the heavy

fear and the three-mile trek to Otama as commenced. The track is bad, the mud is thick and the night is dark, still jio complaints. These fellows are a happy lot. It> is a hard climb for lads straight from the city, but their spirit is wonderful. The whole journey is crowded with amusing incidents. We hear a yell from ahead and loud cheers for the one who has lost his shoe in the mud. Close to me one young fellow enjoying his turn ori one of the horses is feeling very pleased with himself, when suddenly he slides gracefully over the steed's tail and sits in the mud. His fall is soft, but his language hard, especially when he is told that even the horse knows that he is a " townie." Filially we are nearing camp. We cannot see much but we can hear the pounding of the surf on the beach at Otama Bay, making us wonder what sights the morning light will reveal. The line of men is rather drawn out now. The men in front have reached camp and lights are Seen as we top the hill.

Good StaS Wort. The engineer has arranged for plenty of good wholesome stew, steaming hot, good fresh bread and butter, hot tea and- snug quarters. The march across, the hill is forgotten, the meal, thoroughly enjoyed, is now over, and each man seeks his tent and bunk. All is ready for him. He unpacks his blankets and rugs and tumbles into bed, and soon sinks into a sound sleep, thus ending a long, happy and eventful day. Early morning finds the men astir. They do not have to work on this their first day in camp. The surrounding country, the wonderful, beach and the extensive sandhills, are all remarked upon, ind each man promises himself an exploring expedition later on, not just, now, for all sorts of improvements according to ideas and tastes must be made to our tents, for this is now our home. It is a beautiful day and everything looks! wonderful to the from the city, bat the bead ties of must wait, for there is nfflTCh to be done before the men go out to work next day. Control Committee. The commitfee of control meets at once. We have an old-timer on this committee, a returned " digger," who is a great help. The St. John Ambulance man attached to the camp is called in and lie also works in conjunction with the rest, and his advice in connection with sanitation is very valuable. Gamp rules are drawn up and a catering officer is appointed to work with' the camp O.C. The daily ration and menu are decided upon. Already letters are here from local business people. These must be considered and prices compared. The catering officer and camp O.C. must buy carefully, for thi3 camp is tun by the men themselves, and these officers must do their best all tho time to cut down expenses. The canteen is also under their care. Each man purchases what he requires and pays his account on pay day. The same rule applies to the general account, which includes his food.

Everything is now in running order. The, sanitary arrangements are completed, B large messroom is erected and all meais are served in it. It is close to the cookhouse," and is most convenient, warm and comfortable. Long tables and forms have been built, and a large open fire-placo makes all the difference these cold nights. Each man is supplied with reading matter donated by the local people and some good friends in the city. A Happy Company.

The inon are as happy as can be, and, as I write, a great singing competition is going on—no signs of depression here. The work is not hard, the camp site is perfect, and the food excellent. Who could not he happy The food supply has been well arranged. The beef is purchased on "the hooks " at a low price per> pound. The beast is killed near the location, and, ready dressed, it is delivered to the meat store. Excellent meat it is. The average kilbrig is a beast weighing 3501b. This soon disappears under the onslaught of hungry men. Potatoes, kumaras, swedes and pumpkin, scones, plum and rice puddings, jam and honey all help to vary the menu. We have ,been most fortunate in so much as one of the local farmers has loaned us n couple of cows, which are run on the camp property and attended by the men in their spare time. Great interest is taken in our " farm," everyone wanting to try his hand at milking. This is not allowed, however, for our cows are not for experimental purposes. Since commencing this article another 19 men have arrived from Auckland. They were met at Kuaotunu by the catering officer and camp 0.C., and given a hot cup of tea and bread and butter before they set out over the hill. They, too, have settled down and are happy. Tho " terrible " conditions and hardship of the relief camps do not apply to the happy company of single men in the Otama relief camp.