FROM CYRIL NICHOLLS

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 218, 20 October 1916, Page 4

FROM CYRIL NICHOLLS

* WITH THE 15th REINFORCEMENT, AN INTERESTING NARRATIVE (Continued from yesWrday.) Tuesday, August 29. A perfect day! It was the general impression that our ship would be sail, ing to-day, and no leave would be granted, but after breakfasting we received the pleasant news that after a short route march we womd be free until 2.30 p.m. This was indeed nice a much more pleasant surprise awaited us. Just before commencing the route march we were informed that the departure of the ship was potstponed until the following morning, and leave was extended until 10 p.m. Did the boys cheer? Oh, no! After being dismissed, my mates and I had a good look around the beach; here the beach hotels, etc., and amusement places are more after the style of the English seaside resorts. Returned to the city per rickshaw and had lunch. After satisfying the inner man we hired a car for two hours and spent a most interesting time looking round. The majority of the European residences are built of brick or stone, and the designs of the houses are very pretty. The large numbers of trees and shrubs growing in the gardens and around the houses are very notice able home-like. We were shown over the old port, which is a memorable spot in the war of 1842. On arrival at the beach we dismissed the driver, and as the surf .looked very inviting we were not long in joining the crowd of happy surf bathers. Just as we were returning to the city four visitors from the Orange Free State made themselves agreeable to us, and invited us to join them in afternoon tea. They -were very patriotic people, and after an enjoyable chat and exchange of addresses we wended our way towards the city. As long as we live we will never forget the hospitality extended to the officers'and men of the New Zealand 15th Reinforcements by the citizens of Durban. Several cases of tobacco, cigarettes, and chocolatehave been presented to us by the employees of one large firm. Wednesday,,. August 30. Another perfect day. Sailed about 8.30 a.m. * The lights of Capetown were sighted before daybreak on Saturday, but for some reason our ship did not cornsinto the harbour until about 8 £.m., and then dropped anchor, not coming alongside the wharf until 3 p.m. Even then we Avere not allowed to leave trieship until 6 p.m., -when leave was granted till 11 p.m. The conditions were very severe, the men being divided into batches of about 6 under a N.C.0., who is responsible that these men keep together and return up to time. Here, as at Durban, the hotels are closed to N.C.O.’s and men, not even special passes being issued. I have only walked from the s-hlp tothe Y.M.C.A., and in the event of us getting no further leave here I am posting this letter to-night; therefore I cannot tell you much about CapeI town.