Local and General

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 11, 1 October 1943, Page 4

Local and General

Troops at Tonga New Zealand troops at Tonga have: reversed the usual procedure of being on the receiving end of patriotic activities by themselves sending a cheque for £2."> to the National Patriotic Fund Board. The money ha.s been forwarded in appreciation of all that has been done for the comfort and well-being of the men on the island, and It. is a gesture that is likewise appreciated by the board, which lias sent a letter expressing thanks on behalf of the patriotic movement generally and its supporters in the Dominion. Brother Bowlers—Note ! The attention of bowlers is directed to the fact, that an unofficial roll-up will be held on Saturday next. We have no doubt but. that full advantage will be taken of this innovation by tho.se keen players who still treasure happy memories of last year's splendid programme. Intending members arc also cordially invited. Maori Presentations Three presentations on behalf of the Maori people were made when the Prime Minister officially opened the Waiomio Native School. North Auckland. The first avrs a carvcd panel for use as a lintel to Mr Fraser, the second was a mottled puriri tekote'ko to Mrs Fraser, anil the third a carved walking stick for Mr Fraser to dispatch to Mr Churchill. Hundreds of Maori Travellers It is estimated that some hundreds of Maori travellers from the Whakatane district will make the journey to Tolaga Bay on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, when His Excellency, the Governor-Gen-eral will perform the. ceremony of investiture, in connection with the award of the Victoria Cross to the late Lieut. Ngarimu. This number will include many school dhiklren from the principal native schools. "Shots" From New Zealand! Current War Pictorial News and United News screening at all the leading theatres in Cairo and Alexandria include "shots." not only of interest to foreigners, whose interest in the Dominion has been awakt ened by the deeds of the New Zealand Division, but also pleasing to New Zealanders. One shows fighter planes on patrol ovei* both islands with mountain scenery as a suitable background, while other "shots" unfold the pictorial story of the harvesting of tho golden fleece, on a typical New Zealand sheep run.— N.Z.E.F. Official News Service. From Pa dire' Keith Watson Writing from Campo 43 litalv on July 4tlx last Padre K. J. Watson states that Imperial officers had arrived with news of recent happenings. The camp continued, to organise sport and basketball,, baseball and soccer were very popular being played strenuously in the hottest weather. A special camp archestra

of 15 instruments had been organised also a choral society. One hour was devoted to classical music after evening services. Four padres from his camp, he saj T s, left for other camps recently thereby increasing his responsibility substantially. Toffee Instead of Tobacco New Zealand troops in New Caledonia have shown a preference for American cigarettes, and because of this the provision that has been made by the National Patriotic Fund Board to supply each man with 50 cigarettes a quarter when the gift parcels are distributed lias been discontinued in the meantime. Instead of the cigarettes, a free issue of tofTee :is being made. Previously only small supplies of tofTee were available:, but the. quantity is now being increased, and, from reports received, it is much appreciated by the troops. Chaplain to Japanese A group of Japanese officers and N.C.O.'s at a prisoner of Avar camp in New Zealand approached the Swiss Consul and Red. Cross agent when they visited the camp recently with a request for someone to teach them the truths of the Christian religion, states the "Outlook.," The request was transmitted to the military authorities and resulted in the. appointment of Mr H. W. E> Troughton as chaplain to the camp. Mr Troughton was for six years a missionary in Japan with the inter-dc-nominational Central Japan Pioneer Mission, and has since been ter of the Tirau-Putaruru chargc.