EARTHQUAKE CAMP.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18258, 20 February 1931, Page 6

EARTHQUAKE CAMP.

IDEALLY SOCIALISTIC. NO MONEY: BUT ALL HAPPY. HAMILTON MAN’S LETTER. A very interesting letter, giving an Idea of the life In the camp at Nelson Park, Napier, has been received by a member of the literary staff of the Waikato Times, from Mr O. Whittaker, a former resident of Hamilton, who went through the earthquake at Napier, Mr Whittaker was later evacuated, suffering from mild quake-shock and exhaustion, after working with the fatigue parties, when he came on to Hamilton. He is a man getting on In years, and he felt, at the time he was Interviewed by a Times reporter, that he could never go back to Napier again. Then he heard the call for men, and could not resist returning. This is what he says:—

“You will no doubt be surprised to receive this letter. As you know, I was a nervous wreck when I was in Hamilton last week, and I told you I would never come back to Napier. How quickly we change our minds 1 I recovered very quickly whilst in Hamilton, and, by the way, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Mayor (Mr Fow) and the citizens of Hamilton, through the medium of your paper, for the great kindnesses I received at their hands whilst there. “When I saw in your paper the call for men to come back to Napier I could not resist. I left Hamilton the same night, and am right glad I did. Socialism of Ideal Kind. “Life In this camp is simply grand. I feel it my duty to let the people of the Waikato know something about it, and what is going on. It is Socialism of an ideal kind. No one has any money worth speaking about. I roughly estimate there are 1000 men in this camp alone, and a very few women and children. The women and children are treated with the greatest respect and kindness. I have never •£een any rowdyism of any kind. The greatest of good fellowship is to he seen on every hand. Liquor is not allowed in the camp, and I have, not seen anyone under its influence, either in the camp or in the town, since I returned. “Two men have started a hairdressing business in a bell-shaped tent. I went for a shave the other day. When the barber finished I asked him, ‘How much?’ What do you think he replied? ‘Sixpence if you can afford it; nothing if you cannot.’ Men are toiling hard all day, but not one of them knows bow much he is going to be paid, or when, but they keep hard at it, with a smile and a cheery word for everybody. “Where our food comes from I do not know, nor do I know bow much it is going to cost us per week. We keep getting it three times a day. It is a bit rough, but wholesome. Needless to say, we do not bother about serviettes, nor do we put on a dinner suit. Work of Salvation Army.

“Now I come to the work of the Salvation Army and Captain Sam Hayes. How shall I convey to your mind the great work they are doing here? Ido not know. Anyhow, I will try. They have erected a huge marquee, which 'Will seat about 180 people. Every night there is a concert. The sides of the marquee are taken away, so that hundreds more may enjoy the entertainment. It is far too small, and a second one is being erected alongside. There is a splendid , orchestra, consisting of piano, several violins, saxophone, cornet, piccolo, concertina, etc. Where all the talent comes from beats me. Before the concert proper, we have community singing. I wish yeu were here to hear it. I think you could hear it at Hamilton if it were not for the hills and the bush between. Tonight (Wednesday) we are to have a concert, and all the items are being given by the military officers and men who are in camp. I expect before long these concerts will broadcast; then you will get some idea of what things are like here every evening'.. "Un Sundays the services in -this marquee are beyond my powers of description. You see the nurses and sisters in the congregation, perhaps silting alongside a navvy in his hobnailed boots and dungarees; very few with a collar or tie. You should hear the singing, and the splendid sermon I beard last Sunday evening. The marquee was packed to overflowing. “A great change has come over the people of this district. A great change for good. I have known Napier and Napier people many years, but I never expected to see anything like this. I forgot about Captain Sam Hayes, of the Salvation Army. He is a returned soldier. Was wounded 16 times, and returned minus a leg; a man with a wonderful personality, and beloved by every man, woman, and child in the camp. “The Y.M.C.A. people are here also, and are doing oil they can. “The concert is about to commence. Some time I may write you again, if these scattered thoughts of mine are acceptable. “Warn men from coming. Police permits have to be obtained before they can get into the town.’’