LIFE ON BOARD

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21037, 13 February 1940, Page 4

LIFE ON BOARD

AMENITIES ENJOYED COMMUNITY OF TROOPS Y.M.C.A. OFFICIAL REPORTS SPELL OF ROUGH WEATHER (By Telegraph.—Pre»» AMorliTTon; WELLINGTON. Tuesday Besides giving an idea of the social and recreational activities on board the troopship in which he sailed from New Zealand. Mi J EL Ledgerwood a Y.M.C.A. representative, has incorporated in reports which have been received from him advice that will be valuable to the National Patriotic Fund Board in the prov ision of future comforts for New Zealand troops. Mr Ledgerwood. who was formerly secretary of the Hamilton Y.M.C.A., is one of three Y.M.C.A. officers wh » accompanied the first echelon. He mentioned some seasickness, but only once was there reference in his reports to rough weather. Then he described it as extremely rough weather, which meant the postponement of a sports meeting. The gifts officer on the ships was Lieutenant J. H. Danderson, who was appointed by the Patriotic Funds Board to look after the comfort.' placed aboard. Similar stocks of comforts also went with the other transports, on each of which there was a gift officer. Committees Established Mr Ledgerwood and Lieutenant Danderson lost no time in having a conference to deal with the promotion of the comfort and happiness of the soldiers, and drew up proposals which were approved by the O.C. Troops. Lieutenant-Colonel F. F. Vamham. A recreation committee was formed, comprising representatives from each unit aboard, and the gifts committee was called together. Arrangements were also made for the establishment of v.m.C.A. headquarters. Extra reading and writing rooms and accommodation for large evening entertainments were arranged and supervised by Mr Ledgerwood. A library was established in the Y.M.C.A. headquarters and reading, writing and musical facilities provided. Comforts for Sick The first organised community sing took place in the large mess room, and a great crowd turned out. Morning physical training wts inaugurated under Mr Ledgerwood, end a Y.M.C.A. entertainment committee was formed comprising one N.C.O. from each unit, to meet daily and evaluate and promote all the social life of the ships. Mr Ledgerwood re - ported having had to make visits to the ship’s hospital, and taking comforts to many seasick troopers.

On the first Sunday at sea a song service was attended by nearly 700 men.

As the result of a meeting the following entertainment activities were decided upon—soo evening, separate concerts from each unit, community sings, impromptu speech night, dramatic sketch night, physical perfection parade, mock court, mannequin night “gong ’em out,” amateur night, vespers and song services. Mr Ledgerwood in his first report also mentioned that an orchestra was being formed, a male voice choir and a mouth organ band. Referring to the organised sing that had been held, he stated that it was an inspiration, about 700 voices taking part and all good ones. He had taught the troops “Bless This House,” and all had agreed to its nightly use as a closing vesper. He also inaugurated a daily news sheet. The first 500 tournament turned out splendidly, 52 tables being in use. Physical Jerks Popular In his second report he said the morning physical recreation class had grown in numbers and enthusiasm. Of l the 60 officers aboard 45 per cent, attended, and in all about 300 took part. He made a daily round of the entire parade decks and advised on new methods of recreation. At the first male choir practice there were 48 voices. The first travel talk was well attended and much appreciated. He mentioned a keen demand for library books. Sports meetings began at 2 p.m. and ended at five. There were five weights in boxing and five in wrest--1 ling. Other events included a mile relay, deck tennis, singles and doubles, deck quoits, singles and doubles, tug of war, drill competition and medicine ball relay. Besides pictures, entertainments and community sings. 52 tables had taken part in a prograssive euchre tournament and ten tables in a bridge tourney. Send Cigarettes In addition to making some suggestions to Y.M.C.A. authorities regarding future equipment, and also to the patriotic fund board for future guidance in the provision of other comforts, Mr Ledgerwood mentioned that 2000 tins of cigarettes were worth more than any similar number of other articles. Plenty of lime juice cordial would be a great asset, and a real comfort. i He also made suggestions regard- ' ing the type of films required for en--1 tertainment, and emphasised that the men appreciated good music, good drama and genuine and clever hum- ' our. Although his reports relate only to : the position on his own troopship, they give an insight into the shipboard life of some of the New Zea land soldiers, and show how muen their lot is brightened by the provi Sion of little extra comforts, for the supply of which all New Zealanders are being asked to subscribe.