CHRISTMAS AT SAMOA.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 189, 19 January 1915, Page 4

CHRISTMAS AT SAMOA.

HOW TUK NEW ZEALANDERS ENJOYED IT., GIFTS APPRECIATED. r.y Telegraph.—Per Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. "The arrival of the Christmas mail was a great event," writes the Herald's correspondent with the Samoan troops from Apia on December 31. 'lt must have been just about mid-day on December 23rd when the Navua arrived," he continues, "and at once began to disgorge the largest mail ever carried to Samoa. By the time the. letters were over the side they were ready to start on the 1000 small cases addressed to each man individually. Unfortunately thi barometer elected to go down with a run, £0 Captain Williams naturally put to sea again that night. This hinderfid progress a little, but he returned net* morning, and by eleven o'clock all tie Christmas cheer had been landed ami the departing officers and men went en board. In the meantime every form of transport had been hard at work. This meant that in a very short time everyone of the numerous Christmas gifts had been sent to the camps. Unfortunately a heavy tropical thunderstorm in the afternoon of Christmas Eve rather disorganised matters, but as far us the Auckland Patriotic Fund gifts were concerned the rain did no damage. Words' cannot express the joy and satisfaction when it was seen how generously the people had treated their boys. Ttere worths cannot express one fraction of what we feel, but-suffice it to say there was enough to prolong Christmas over the New Year, and everything was just what we wanted. Christmas Eve saw the whole camp happy and with enough" mail matter to keep every one busy for a long time. "Over a dozen cases of books and magazines from Christehurch will supply us with still more reading material to last a long time, for which we are deeply grateful. Christmas morning broke Very wot indeed, and effectually put a stop to the combined church parade for all troops, which was to have been held on the Malipa camp parade ground, and owing to the inclemency of the weather the sports meeting for the afternoon was postponed, but'this did not prevent men from thoroughly enjoying their Christina s ! dinner. The day closed with a most successful concert, held in the barracks. Unfortunately the programme has heen lost, but it was distinctly good, and went with a swing. "Boxing Day was another whole holiday, and was devoted to a seven-a-side football tournament. This is a particularly strenuous form of amusement for such a hot climate, but it was a great success. I'nthe afternoon there wa i a "waumafataga" at the village of I.epea. which was attended by a large number of (he officers and men.