NEW CALEDONIA

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLXI, Issue 15077, 24 June 1942, Page 4

NEW CALEDONIA

TRAINING AND DEFENCE. United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Couvrifiht. SYDNEY, June 21. A journey of over 500 miles through New Caledonia has been a revelation of how complete is American preparedness to repel any Japanese invasion of this island, says the Australian official war correspondent. Mr lan Fjtchett. American troops are living at action stations and they are busy perfecting defence plans as well as going hard at their training. < The climate is perfect and summer clothing is worn by all. No troops in the world today ar e serving under more pleasant conditions. Hunting parties are organised, and all day forest, land and hills echo with the crack of rifle shots as the men hunt deer, which roam in tens of thousands. In, the streams fish are there for the taking and oysters cluster thickly on mangrove roots. The troops are made welcome in hundreds of peasant farms and native villages. All this sounds like a tourists’ paradise, but it is not so. Never is cue allowed to forget, that these men are part of an army, with a big job to do. Where necessity demands, work goes on day and night, weeK m and week out, without ceasing. Encampments are well dispersed and no risks have been taken against a sudden air attack. Splendidly equipped workshops are set up round the island. “The main impression I gamed on the journey round the island i.-. one of a well equipped, well clothed, fit and happy army. In spirit and training they are the equal of any troops I have seen in this war, ’ tic ■ correspondent concluded.