ON BOARD SHIP.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 31 August 1916, Page 3

ON BOARD SHIP.

The following are extracts from letters written by Sergt. C. F. Scottj of the Thirteenth Reinforcement, and dated from Cape Town, July 2nd., 1916, to his parents here:—

Our first port of call was Adelaide, and we were the first New Zealand troops to call there. We had to anchor out in the harbour till the doctor had examined us all, to see that there were no diseases on board. The next morning we drew alongside the wharf, and in the afternoon we were allowed ashore for a few hours, also on the next day, and we left again that night. The town is 15 or 16 miles from the harbour, but they ran troop-trains for us, and we had a very good time. The first day I went for some tram rides so as to see all I could of the place; the second day another Sergt. and myself visited the Museum, which is a pretty big place and well filled. After that we went through the Art Gallery ; it is a fine building and the paintings are great. There is one of " The descent from the Cross " (showing Christ being taken down from };he cross) and I can tell you it is very real and' pathetic. There is also a. painting of Christ's burial, showing the tomb,, etc., and it makes one think. We visited the Zoological Gardens, where, there are all kinds of animals, birds, etc.,; well worth seeing. Our stay was all too short. After we left Adelaide we had a rougher passage. It was great fun at meal times to see the things go sliding to the other end of the tables, and the tea flying everywhere, but all the same, w e manage to get a good meal. I-lam- üßed to it all now, and having a pretty good time. I forgot to tell you about our " boat-drill" which we do in case of accidents, and so that each man will know his duty. All the married men have places in the boats, and those for whom there is no room' are marched to the bows, and if anything did happen, we could stand and sing "Keep the Home fires burning," etc., and pray. We have the same things to do from day to day, just enough physical drill to keep us out of mischief, and eating. If we don't soon get somewhere to work again, we shall be too fat and lazy to move. Jußt latey we are having a bit more excitement, as we have a Sports Committee going, and boxing is in full swing, and we had a very good concert. We haven't had what you call a rough sea yet—it was very calm crossing the Indian Ocean. We arrived here yesterday afternoon (July Ist). We haven't been allowed leave yet, but this morning we went for a route march through the town, had lunch, and marched back to the boat. There are some very fine buildings here, especially the Government buildings and Churches, and they are nearly all built of stone. The harbour is a very fine one, and the hills at the back of the town look well. There is a very big one with a flat top and a cloud hangs over it (Table Mountain and table-cloth). The last port we called at was Durban.

We arrived here about 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 27, and anchored put in the stream. We were not given leave but next day were/taken for a route march along the beach to a whaling station. The dust, sand and wind were terrible, and when we got back to the boat we were all as black as niggers. The harbour is a pretty good one, and the entrance is only 200 or 300 yards across. 1 cannot tell you anything of the town, as we did not go through it. We are allowed to mention the names of the pqrts we have called at after we are two. or three daya out. The coastline in this vioinity is very rough and rugged. Please rememher me to any inquiring friends. There are several phonographs on board, so we get some music,