OFF TO THE WAR

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21357, 27 February 1941, Page 9

OFF TO THE WAR

SOME OBSERVATIONS NEW ZEALANDERS AT SEA Writing from aboard a transport, bound for the war zone, a former resident of this district now serving with the Royal Air Force, indicates that he is “ somewhere in the Indian Ocean,” and adds:—“ We still observe the Southern Cross in the early morning sky, and I notice that the troops are taking a most unusual interest in sunsets. Fellows in crowds do not usually talk of such things, but out here it is different. . . . When routine relaxes, something to give the voyage an interest is sought for. . . In port they behave splendidly, and the country’s reputation has not suffered by the behaviour of this crowd.” In a further note, after landing, the writer says: “ The fellows come home to camp tired out, with such a collection of parcels! They are not so inclined for further visits to foreign lands. Some, I think, would like to trip back home already to wholesome surroundings, fresh water, tasty food, and a certain freedom and do-as-you-please that they associate with the country they have left. The Right Inspiration “ It may be realised in time that New Zealand’s apparent security is her greatest danger. A favoured land, on every comparison, it takes contact with busier and threatened seas to realise that the future population of New Zealand will not find 1 the right inspiration in Hollywood films or at Rugby football as a religion. . . It is little short of amazing to think of the fellows here, coming so far for a war, and the organisation and efficiency that gets them here, and it augurs well that the spirit that tamed the country is not dead, nor even dormant, in them. It is a subject to ponder over.” Referring again to impressions on the voyage, the writer remarks that New Zealanders as a people had grown so used to the imminence of war that he did not think the actual fact of war would disturb the people’s equanimity a great deal. “ One thing may emerge,” he says, and that is the recollection of the passive interest of Australians and New Zealanders generally toward the war effort and danger. Although some patriotic ladies have worked night and day, and denied themselves pleasures they might have had, it was obvious that a disposition to take things as they come, with no thought for the morrow, was too general an attitude to cause comment. It isn’t for me to speak, for had I not been able to get away on active service goodness knows where I would have exploded. Inertia was getting beyond endurance. The war was a great attraction so far as I was concerned, and I can hardly imagine it getting monotonous, can you? Vast British Empire “ The first impression of travel in this style—we are in a fairly luxurious ship—is the idea of the vast extent of the British Empire.” he continues. “Itis a wonderful thing to sail for days and days, and sometimes weeks, and then safely put in to a British port. One can then understand the immense importance of ships and shipping. With the great extent of coastline, the number of fine harbours and waterways, but principally on account of the insularity of the islands, it is curious that New Zealanders are not more characteristically drawn to ships and the sea. They certainly like to travel, but one would think that the natural

situation in which they live and learn would foster a Viking legend of the sea. Especially is this so when the tradition of sails and ships is so deeply interfused with Anglo-Saxon history.” _ *