IN NEW YORK

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3281, 28 June 1943, Page 4

IN NEW YORK

SGT. OBSERVER MARCHANT AIRMAN FROM THE PLAINS INTERESTING EXPERIENCES Mr L. C. Marchant, of Ngatea, has received advice of his son George’s safe arrival in England, after gaining his observer’s wing in Canada. Sgt.-Observer Marchant, who is an old pupil of Ngatea District High, enlisted with the R.N.Z.A.F. in April, 1942. He sailed for Canada in the following- October, where he took an observer’s course, qualifying in March. During the leave which followed grauation, Sgt. Marchant spent a few marvellous days in New York. He stayed at the Anzac Club which he says is doing a great job of work .for the boys. “The way it is organised and the invitations they get for us to visit places, is really wonderful,” he writes.

“New York certainly has some colossal buildings,” the letter continues, “and the way they stand up amazes me! The streets are not as busy as I expected, although there are taxis by the thousands, outnumbering private cars almost two to one. They just whizz along the streets. Visit To Carnegie Hall “One noticeable thing was the way in which the people walk all over the side-walk, not keeping to any set side, but they sure watch, the traffic lights closely, or else! “People remarked on our New Zealand tabs and frequently said we wore ■our stripes upside down! “We went along to Carnegie Hall one afternoon and heard a recital by the Philharmonic Orchestra which was a real treat. The conductor was very good and we got a lot of enjoyment out of his antics. We went to dances arranged by the “Times” staff and a prominent New York teacher of dancing. “Boarded a ’bus ‘up top’ and rode around, then explored on the underground on Saturday. It is really amazing how fast these trains travel. A rumble, a flash, then a red light disappearing in the distance! A pretty mix-up should one get on the wrong' track! “On Sunday we went on to the tops of the two tallest buildings in the world. The Empire State, 1020 feet high, 10'2 storeys, also the Rockfellow Building. The view is great and the city looks just like a model below. I’d hate to fall over. The lift rises and descends at 1000' feet a minute, which is some going. “We went through all the broadcasting studios, which are the best in the world. Marvellous. All the rooms are floating so that no vibration will get into a broadcast. “The Chrysler building tower is a work of art. New York also’ has- some wonderful gardens and parks, right in the centre of the city. Saw “Stars On Ice”

“Stars On Ice,” a show run by Sonja Henie was the most spectacular turn I’ve ever seen.' The things they did on ice skates! I was one of the spellbound crowd in the world’s only ice theatre and wished you both could have been with me. I fully realised how much there is to see, if one only has the chance. “Monday we went shopping and to the Madison Square Gardens, the scene of all the main sporting advents in New York and what a show! The most wonderful feats on horses, trapezes, roller skates and bicycles. Such elaborate and impressive costuming, with the final scene ‘Victory/ with elephants, horses and floats decorated in blue and flags of all countries, including New Zealand, the people dressed in their native costumes. “Back to the Anzac Club for baggage and to give thanks to Nola Luxford, who does so much for our boys in America. She came down to the train to see us off and was given an extra three minutes by the guard. Like most girls she took a little longer! The automatic doors closed and we were all on our way to, Montreal! There was anther guard handy so he pulled the emergency cord to stop the train. A third guard appears, demanding to know what it’s all about, and reckoned he couldn’t stop for anyone. However, Miss Luxford managed to get , safely off and so ended a pleasant little interlude to our exit from New York. “Montreal didn’t appeal—an old and rather dirty city we thought. There are supposed to be Over 100 churches and a population of It millions. A policeman stopped us to enquire whether we came from Auckland, as he had been there, while representing Canada as a bike rider at the Empire Games. He thought New Zealand a wonderful country. “Please remember me to the Ngatea folk. Halifax Ansae Parade “I began writing on the ferry but finished in camp as the trip was very rough. I was seasick for a wonder >

but there were over 100 sailors on board and many of them were leaning over the rail also. A rare sight! “Missed the broadcast from NewYork but am sending greetings from here soon,” concludes extracts from a letter written in April. In a later letter Sgt.-Observer Marchant writes: “I must tell you about the wonderful Anzac parade we had here yesterday, Easter Sunday. The New Zealanders and Aussies* on this station felt we could not do better than take advantage of the 'beautiful spring Sunday afternoon to hold a parade to the Cenotaph in the centre of this town, thus remembering our boys who fell last war at Gallipoli. “We formed up on the parade square in the camp here, in charge of the Australian officer. The two countries formed up in separate flights and looked very well indeed, the Aussies in their dark blue and we in the airforce blue. We put on a really good show on the march of four miles into town which took an hour. The local station band led us and all along the road people were gathered to watch us pass. Comments From Oowrf “One could hear numerous emnments as we marched pest, ane-'in. particular being “Well I never expected to see the- Anzac panuie through the streets of Halifax, 26 years after knotting their fatbwm m France.” ‘‘The service was very ably conducted and two beautiful wrtatha laid on the cenotaph by our officer and Ike Australian officer.”