“ALWAYS A BIT HUNGRY”

Wanganui Chronicle, 4 October 1946, Page 4

“ALWAYS A BIT HUNGRY”

J-FORCE ON RATIONS BUT POSITION IMPROVING (P.A.) Wellington. Oct. 3. “After the growing pains of the early days of the occupation force it is obvious that things have improved considerably and better accommodation and supplies are available,’’ states Colonel F. Waite in a report from Japan to the National Patriotic Fund Board.

Colonel Waite was commissioner for the board in lhe Middle East during the war and is now in Japan on behalf of the Government and tileboard to inspect amenities available to the New Zealand force. His report is dated September 1, from Chofu.

Colonel Waite said that he found the men well clothed and reasonably well fed. On paper lhe ration scale was good, but sometimes the items were “‘not available" and as a New Zealand supply officer said: “You can't put ‘N.A.’ on a man's plate.” There is no possibility of getting supplies from local sources and the Australian canteens had had difficulty in getting full regular supplies, with the result that the men had to live almost entirely on rations. The men were given good meals, but his inquiries indicated they were always just a bit hungry for more. A better refrigerated ship from Australia would improve the vegetable and fruit supplies. SHORTAGE OF FURNITURE Dealing with the amenities, Colonel Waite said that there was a great shortage of all types of furniture and it would be very helpful if a large number of tables, chairs, settees, etc., could be sent promptly from New Zealand. A good deal had been done with paint to brighten things up, buc the furniture, floor coverings and other furnishings were very difficult to procure. Canteen supplies had been very irregular, but during September ample supplies of tea, milk, sugar and flour would be available for extra tea and cakes. Colonel Waite said that there were a number of rest camps already in use and most were very good. Four leave hostels outside the 8.C.0.F. area were operating and the New Zealanders would get their share of accommodation in these. More such hostels would be opened each month. “Either by way of guard duty or on leave, every New Zealander will see Tokio—a much over-rated objective,” said Colonel Waite, Without American dollars practically nothing could be bought. Colonel Waite concludes that the initial difficulties were being overcome and a rapid improvement was now beeing affected.