IN TRANSJORDANIA

Hokitika Guardian, 12 October 1931, Page 2

IN TRANSJORDANIA

FLYING-OFFICER’S LETTER . The desert places are being invaded by the motion picture, according to letters from Flying-Officer L. E. Jarman of the No. 14, “B” squadron, of the Royal Air Force,' Amman, Transjordan! a, received by his relatives in Christchurch. As one of the indications that the social side of Amman is improving he writes that the station cinema had been opened and everyone was hoping that it would be a success. Flying Officer Jarman hgs completed one year of the two years'on the station and on July 17th. lie had passed his 900 hours flying mark, and anticipated in a few days to pass the 1000 hours’ mark. At the time of writing he had taken over “B” Flight during the Flight-Oommander’s temporary absence. Of exciting trips lie had two—one across tlm desert to Bagd'd, and the other to Rulbah Fort, with spares and water for a forced luncied machine. Although both trips were enjoyable, the temperature was .too high for comfort, and he was glad to get back to Ainmain agailt: . CURIOUS MOSAICS. Describing a visit to Madutia he whites tlutt It is built on the ruins of an old Roman town and is situated about 35 miles south-west of Amman, on tlio edge of the Ziza plain, and five ! miles west of Mt. Nebo, the mountain 1 from which Mooes saw the* Promised | Land. The present town was built about 200 years ago, and is reasonably modern. It is famous for its second century mosaics. In all there are seven beautiful mosaics, but the most I famous is 011 c showing Palestine, Ira.usj old a ilia, and a portion of Egypt in | man form, complete with the names !of the various places. This mosaic was discovered in 1897, and by its aid many places mentioned in the Bible, the situation of winch was doubtful, were ascertained. FINANCIAL MATTERS. An interesting financial note is contained in. his acknowledgment of a birthday present. “At Amman,” he wrote “wo so very rarely use money, and pay everything I by ‘chits,’ that when a little solid cash is needed it is very (Pfßc’ilt- to uOthin. The night your letter arrived I was all dressed up to go to the first local Amman dance held in the hotel, and trying to borrow some re,adv cash to pay for a taxi, so it arrived at a very opportune moment.”