EVERYTHING FREE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 76, 22 January 1947, Page 6

EVERYTHING FREE

LIFE IN TOKIO AUCKLAND GIRL’S LETTER Vivid descriptions of her journey to Japan by air, of her arrival in Tokio and of her impressions of that city during the first three months of her residence there are given by Miss Edna Clarke, in letters received in Auckland. Miss Clarke went to Japan as an employee of the United States Civil Service, and is at present with the Allied Translating and Interpreting Service in Tokio. During the war she worked for the American forces in a secretarial capacity, first in Auckland and later at Noumea.

Steaming Volcanic Island

“We arrived-at 5 p.m. over Tokio,” wrote Miss Clarke. “It was thrillingapproaching Japan by air. Before we reached the coast of the mainland we flew over lots of smaller islands, including a brand new one which appeared in the ocean after a terrific volcanic eruption and was still steaming as we passed over. “Our billet is right in the heart of Tokio. It is a modern hotel with a very Oriental flavour. Upon our arrival we were met by six Japanese bellboys who were most anxious to help us. We also have two little Japanese girls in attendance whose duties are to look after the rooms. They will do any washing and ironing or anything else that may be required. When they are asked for anything they literally run to do our bidding. “There is nothing to spend our money on in Tokio,” Miss Clarke continued. “Everything is free, including theatres and picture houses. Some of the hotels are truly luxurious, designed on European standards with ballroom and swimming

pool. You can even dance to the latest American music played by Japanese musicians. Fast Japanese Trains “Every weekend we leave Tokio to explore some new scene, travelling by Pullman on Friday night and arriving at American rest hotels next morning, from whence we explore. The Japanese trains are very fast and quite luxurious. Certain carriages are strictly reserved for United States service personnel.” Miss Clarke added that she and her colleagues are not allowed to eat food other than that prepared under American supervision. Should they travel in districts where there are no American-controlled hotels, they take ordinary “K” rations, as it is very necessary to observe this rule strictly. They are not allowed, either, to drink any water unless it has been chlorinated by the Americans. All American-controlled hotels have large canvas containers on each floor which contain drinking water, while the bathrooms have large notices inscribed: “Water not fit for drinking.”