WORKING HARD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 June 1942, Page 2

WORKING HARD

IN PLEASANT CLIMATE AMERICAN TROOPS IN NEW CALEDONIA. COMPLETE PREPARATIONS FOR DEFENCE. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) SYDNEY, June 21. “A journey of over 500 miles through New Caledonia has been a revelation of how complete American preparedness is to repel any Japanese invasion of this island,” says the Australian official war correspondent, Mr lan Fitchett. “The American troops are living at action stations, and they are busy perfecting their defence plans as well as hard at their training. “The climate is perfect and summer clothing is worn by all. No troops in the world today are serving under more pleasant conditions. Hunting parties are organised and all day the forest land and hills echo with the crack of rifle shots as men hunt the deer which roam in tens of thousands. In the streams fish are there for the taking, and oysters cluster thickly on the mangrove roots. The troops are welcome in the hundreds of pleasant farms and native villages. “All this sounds like a tourist’s paradise, but it is not so. Never is one allowed to forget that these men are part of an army with a big job to do. t Wnere necessity demands, work goes on day and night, week in and week out, without ceasing. The encampments will be dispersed and no risks have been taken against sudden air attack. Splendidly equipped workshops have been set up round the island. “The main impression I gained in my journey round the -island is one of a well-equipped, well-clothed, fit and happy army. In spirit and training they equal any troops I have seen in this war."