THE NEW LIFE.

Taihape Daily Times, 9 December 1918, Page 3

THE NEW LIFE.

OUR BOYS IN SILK HATS. That the New Zealanders are taking full advantage of the conditions that now prevail at the Front is evident from the letter of a soldier, Sapper M. J. Paitry, who entered country evacuated by the Huns along with his company, the Third Field Company, N.Z. Engineers, 14th Rienforcements, a few days prior to October 12. Writing to his parents at Swanson, Sapper Paitry gives a graphic description of the enjoyment the boys are deriving from the new conditions. He writes: "that it is a good old war these days." That- owing to their crowd being in country recently evacuated by Fritz, they are enjoying the luxury of again living in houses, dining off crockery, sleeping in spring beds, and sitting round great old French stoves. The houses are almost completely furnished. Everything has been left behind except in cases where Fritz's destructive hand has been at Wiork. Even the vegetable gardens are stocked with vegetables ready for use. To tell you the truth," he continues, "we are living like kings. One almost imagines himself back in 'civvy' life. All the boys are having a high time. You see them wearing straw hafs, belltoppers, and all manner of civvy gear. He had just passed a pal driving artillery transport, wearing a topper. The boys even carry their gear in prams and other novel conveyances. On the whole,' 'he remarks, "the outfit looks like a circus on the move."