J-FORCE PERSONNEL ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND BY LINER WESIRALIA

Wanganui Chronicle, 17 August 1948, Page 6

J-FORCE PERSONNEL ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND BY LINER WESIRALIA

(P.A.) Auckland. Aug. 15. The scene at the wharf was reminiscent ol the earlv post-war troopship days this afternoon when the liner Westralia, her rails crowded with cheering soldiers, drew alongside with the second draft of J-Force troops to reach New Zealand since the Government decided to withdraw the force from Japan. Among the 534 members ol the draft were all the Maori troops from Japan, 250 officers and men. Although the troops looked forward to the prospect of returning home, many of them said they were * disappointed at leaving Japan so soon. Most of them had been there for a year or 18 months and a large number would have preferred to remain longer. They said that in the last year in particular, when they had more diverse duties to perform, service life held plenty of interest for them. Guard duty at the Emperor’s Palace and other places in Tokyo was frequent and they had a larger area under their supervision than in the earlier occupation days. They said that one big disadvantage in returning home at present was that they had to adjust themselves suddenly to winter conditionsAn alteration in the currency exchange rate about a month before they left, gave the troops an unexpected opportunity to spend money on souvenirs. The rate was previously 200 yen to the pound sterling, but it was raised to 1090 yen Japanese. Shopkeepers did not raise their prices when the change took place. As a result nearly every soldier on the ship seemed to have either a Japanese camera or a pair of binoculars slung over his shoulder. Other souvenirs packed in impressive crates and in kitbags were huge Japanese dolls, silks, coolie hats, pearls and parasols. Not all of the souvenirs had to be bought. Many of the party returned with attractive presents they had received from grateful Japanese. One of the proudest possessions on the ship an ornate plate from the Imperial Palace. It belonged to a W.A-A.C., who was nresented with it by a Japanese family, who had entertained her. She said the Japanese liked to give presents it one had done nothing more than accept their hospitality.

Eight members of the draft were W.A.A.C.’s. There were also four Army nursing sisters from the Kiwa Hospital and four V.A.D.’s- All of the women were single. Those who had married members of the force in Japan all returned with the first draft last week. Two of the V.A.D.’s intend to go on to Australia in the Westralia and spend their leave there. Maoris in the force not only enjoyed their experience in Japan, but made a name for themselves while they were there. Lt. B- T. Henare, formerly of Whangarei, said the Maoris were in- great demand for concerts for the American troops. About a year ago he was asked by an American commander if he could take a concert oarty to Tokyo. He picked a group of men at random from the ranks and spent about a fortnight training them. They gave a number of concerts and the Americans were greatly impressed. Tney were amazed when the party followed the performance of a haxa or an action song with an Italian song or an. English air. They wanted to know if the Maoris were a professional concert party. They did not know that Lt. Henare had learnt Italian songs during his service in Italy and passed them on to his party.