BASE IN ITALY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25442, 25 January 1944, Page 2

BASE IN ITALY

WELLrEQUIPPED CAMP HOME FOR NEW ZEALANDERS (N.Z.E.F. Official News Service) CAIRO, Jan. 20. Situated in an oak plantation in southern Italy, the New Zealand advance base, although still in the process of establishment, is fast being transformed into a permanent camp as roads replace muddy tracks and nuts spring up amid the trees, camp, on downland in the centre of an agn cultural area, lies 800 feet above the sea. Since the establishment of the advance base three months 7 winter conditions have been expen enced, but a fan* comparison “Ih ff°is ld seemingly colder tomen camo was done by New Zealand engi neers, but now that these men are m action with the division, the work. is f o n ‘ carried on by reinforcements. The S Maoris particularly are showing marked skill. As the camp rising ground, the drainage is go ■ Water and electric light are now laid on id the huts and tents cover a la in G comparison with other camps in ttahr the New Zealanders are much better equipped. Considerable attention is paid to the provision of amemS and relaxation facilities, because the camp is situated some distance tom th? nearest towns. A com™dious Lowry hut has been erec , with open fires, and a Y.M.C.A., whin was established early, rary and buffet service. Nissen huts ie y now being erected for recreation centres, writing rooms, and canteens. New Zealand goods are available m the present tented canteens as supplies come forward. , ._j In the wet canteens wine, the stanaard drink of the country, is available in limited quantities. The rations are good and include Argentine chilled beef of the best quality. The majority of the men visit Bari on leave, where a New Zealand Forces’ Club is now established. A difficulty was met in the provision of Rugby grounds, as most of the land in the vicinity is stony or under cultivation, but the New Zealander is determined on the question of Rugby, and so the stony land is already being cleared. A nearby market established by the Italians sells oranges, apples, nuts, and figs. The camp accommodates the permanent administration staffs, reinforcements, and' men returning from hospitals. The stay of reinforcements is usually brief, but they are made as comfortable as possible. With the advent of fine weather after the New Year the men express themselves as well satisfied with the new camp.