ON A TROOPSHIP.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 219, 2 November 1916, Page 3

ON A TROOPSHIP.

i WITH OUR BOYS AT SEA. I | Writing from a troopship at sea, a j Christehurch soldier says: 'Although we hav e plenty of good, wholesome j food, and also a canteen where we can ' purchase luxuries, we have always the hungry feeling. We get hot meat and potatoes for breakfast, with tea or coffee; soup, pudding, bread and. cheese with tea, for lunch; and another full meal at 5.30. The bunks are very comfortable, even better than those we had in camp li ; fc\ and they were good. j All our belongings are in the racks at j the end of each row of 12 beds, three deep, so the kits are easy of access. Our work up to. the present has been physical drill, squad drill, and other educative work. With the big number of men it can easily be understood that there is a variety of fun on board, especially with the Maoris, who are real good sports. Boxing is a popular amusement, whicn provides laughter and fun for the big ring of enthusiasts who assemble on the deck amidships. Quoits, cards, and the various table games are also indulged in freely, and all quiet corners arc snapped, up, where men can be seen hard and earnestly at it writing to mothers and sweethearts. Just a few reminders to future drafts. Don't worry about bringing a load on board. One bottle of fruit salts and a tin of biscuits are handy, but there is everything on the boat that you need, and in some cases purchaseablc at half price—for instance, chocolate, tobacco and cigars. Cake in plenty was handed to us before we left New Zealand, and also tobacco, and the boys all divide "with their mates, and everybody has a real picnic.