BACK FROM COAST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23809, 9 November 1940, Page 14

BACK FROM COAST

SECOND ECHELON MEN IN WINTER QUARTERS LEAVE BEING GRANTED (From the Official "War Correspondent with the New Zeuland Forces in Britain.) November 7 After two months in the field as part of Britain's forward defence iorce, the New Zea landers have been withdrawn inland for a rest and refitting. All are living either in reqnistioned empty houses, or specially built Nisscn huts. The great majority are in liouses, many of which are first-class homes. A few days are being allowed for settling in and making the premises comfortable, and after that first attention will bo given to clothing and equipment. On the completion of leave, every man's battle dress is to be professionally cleaned without charge to him. The granting of seven days' leave to 10 per cent of the strength weekly was interrupted by the move to the coast, beginning in September. However, within the next few weeks, before winter bogins in earnest, all men who have not had this leave will get it. The winter training programme is necessarily more restricted than that followed during summer. Nevertheless, there will be plenty to keep the men s minds occupied and their bodies fit. For a start, they will return to the parade ground, brush up their drill and smarten their theso being of secondary importance in the invasion belt. Thereafter, weapon training, route marches and organised games will be the mainstays of the working day. In the evening every unit will have the use of a well-begird and lighted room for reading, writing and indoor recreation. Begular is to be organised. Men. wishing something a little more serious are offered the facilities of free attendance at technical, commercial, language and art classes at civilian technical colleges and evening institutes.