AUSTRALIANS BEHIND THE LINES

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14651, 4 March 1918, Page 2

AUSTRALIANS BEHIN D T H E LINES

A "representative of the Australian Press Association made a tour of the principal Australian convalescent depots and hospitals in France, and witnessed the distribution of Christmas gifts and other comforts. Ho was impressed with the cheerfulness of the men under suffering, which was greatly lightened by the liberal provision of comforts. Athletic materials do much to refit the men for the "big scrum" again, besides helping to pass the time arid keep them out of mischief. Boxing :is the chief, attraction; even men with ile'g, •wounds still visible hop gaily into | the ring for a bout. A novel attraction [for "those-not "fitted for violent exercise is the ( introduction of old English folk dancing. It is a lithesome exercise, leaving the individual to do as much or as little as he is disposed. Gymnastic instructors are enthusiastically extending this new form of training. 'The Y.M.O.A. has spent over £8000 in providing sporting materials for the Australian divisions. Our men are better catered for in this respect than the British Army. In nearly ail the V.M.C.A. huts French lessons are given twice weekly, and are largely attended. The French cigarette is the despair of the Australian soldier, and is only used as a last resort. Likewise light French ales are only drunk, on 'sufferance, preference being for-, light French wines. ' They Australian V.M.C.A. recently opened a large cafe in Havre. It i.s the largest institution under one roof in France and is used by all the overseas, American and British troops.