OUT OF BONDAGE

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 102, 27 October 1945, Page 10

OUT OF BONDAGE

SWIFT RECOVERY

EX-PRISONERS' GRATITUDE

"If our lot has been difficult, life here, as in Britain, proves that it was worth while," writes Mr. W. G. Mitchell, a prisoner of war liberated from a Japanese prison camp and convalescing at the Hutt Hospital, in a letter to "The Post" expressing the convalescents' appreciation of the kindness and attention they are receiving. "The little adjuncts of civilisation may be regarded by many with that casual attitude born of contempt for the familiar," says the letter. "If you can imagine being deprived of even the meanest things in our modern scale of living, and limit your worldly possessions to a blanket or two and a bowl and a mug for a period of from three to four years, then you may realise the present exultation of the men who have sweated and writhed under the 'Son of Heaven' until their minds and bodies have emerged with damning evidences of their captives' tender mercies.

"Fortunately, when treated properly, the human body reacts accordingly, and most of us, after only 14 days in this 'other Britain,' are displaying signs' of a miraculous return to normality. It is in sheer gratitude to the powers concerned for our second.lease of life that we turn to tha people of New. Zealand with thankful hearts for their share in our restoration. to health and happiness. From the moment of our "departure from Japan, every phase of our journey has meant a display of material help and tender care for the sick, including food, medicines, clothes, and entertainment.

"I.doubt if at any stage in our journey our emotions were more deeply aroused when we saw our first picture of a peaceful country, ruled by a people whose ideas seem unanimous in "one respect at least—that-of effacing all effects of war and expending tireless energy in their efforts towards the well-being and comfort of their recent charges from the battle-sCarred areas.;

"As one of these unfortunates, I can say that, we have yet to meet, for instance, a resident of Lower Hutt who has not tendered, upon his first meeting, a smile, a handshake, and the inevitable invitation to call. In an incredibly short period the universal and sincere welcome accorded us has accounted for more progress in restoring our optimi_m and faith in humanity than direct medical treatment could accomplish in. years. "By dint of recourse to modern mcdi cal science at its best, lads that looked upon .their future condition with desperation are now planning their futures in detail, wtih little thought of possible failure. Moreover, the general atmosphere of our surroundings is one of freedom and ease.

"Visitors to the hospital will testify to the cheerful spirit of those confined to their cots. Except in extreme cases of isolation, those unable to enjoy the walks of the stronger lack nothing by way of company, books, the wireless, and other luxuries.

"The Britisher is a home-lover, and the Britishers leaving Far Eastern camps started out with one overwhelming desire—to make a bee-line for England in > the fastest craft yet invented. If our immediate desire has been. thwarted by this, highly beneficial convalescent cruise, I can only say cur longing is tempered by.the benefits received here We offer thanks for those gifts of humanity that money cannot buy, and. which unfortunately are only/preserved sometimes by -the use of the sword."