N.Z. TROOPS IN TONGA

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 86, 2 July 1943, Page 4

N.Z. TROOPS IN TONGA

The New Zealand troops in Tonga have taken up gardening, and. a letter from a senior New Zealand officer states that already a 100-aere plot is producing many kinds of vegetables. "It is unavoidable that in. the Pacific area ' much of the ration is of the tinned variety," he writes. "Realising that the average New Zealander is largely a fresh food cater, the authorities wisely decided to supplement tinned foods with fresh vegetables, fruit and fish. A large area is already in production,, and such vegetables as beans,, peas, cucumbers, lettuce, beetroot, and tomatoes have already been issued to units. Local vegetables such as yams and kumaras have, also been planted. not to mention bananas and pineapples. Nearly 100 acres is already in i)reduction, and when the plot is in full swing there should be no shortage of the green vegetables so much appreciated, by New Zealander s. "Local fruits are in reasonable supply —a stick of 30' bananas costing a£>out one shilling. Paw paws, oranges and mandarines are now finishing, but have added to the variety of, the menu for the last two months. "Fish is also a very acceptable dish for most of us. Large fish traps were set up in suitable areas. The catches so far have not al{owed a very frequent distribution to the whole force, but as'the best fishing season is approaching and more traps are. to- be constructed,, it is tp be liopec| that the aim of, a weekly distribution to all ranks will be, achieved."