TROOPS IN TONGA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25276, 13 July 1943, Page 7

TROOPS IN TONGA

TRAINING AND RECREATION •• jf i have got to be away from home, I might be in a much worse place than Tonga.” This sentence, according to a senior officer with the New Zealand troops cn the island, sums up the opinion of the men after several months during which they have adapted themselves well to life and conditions in their tropic home. In the course of a letter written with the object of describing the activities of the New Zealanders in Tonga in order to “ put the folk at home in the picture, and tell them what is being done to look after the boys overseas, this officer gives an interesting account of work and recreation on the island. Horse racing, cricket, and now football are popular sports. Six per cent, of the troops at a time are permitted to spend a furlough period at the recreation centre, when tennis courts, a golf course, and swimming pool, not to mention the presence of W.A..A.C. personnel, are much appreciated. Useful work is also being done by the Tonga Forces Club. Voluntary workers from Nukualofa, the capital, attend daily, somewhat on the lines of the well-known Maadi tent in the Middle East. Afternoon tea and supper are served, beer is provided in limited quantities, and entertainments, billiards, games, and reading and writing facilities are available. An Officers’ Club on similar lines is located nearby. “ The health of the men has given many folk at home some concern,” states the letter. “ There need be no worries on this score. Illnesses there have been, and sick parades were fairly high at first, largely due to septic mosquito bites. Sick parade figures are now falling, however, partly due to cooler weather and acclimatisation. Those needing hospital treatment are excellently cared for In an up-to-date, well-equipped hospital. A Ladies’ Committee (including New Zealand W.A.A.C.’s) makes weekly visits to all patients, distributing fruit, papers, tobacco, chocolates, and so on. Men showing signs that they are not standing up to the conditions are promptly examined, and some have already been returned to New Zealand.”