MASTERTON SOLDIERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 July 1941, Page 3

MASTERTON SOLDIERS

HOW ACQUAINTANCES ARE RENEWED. INCIDENTS IN EGYPT, “May I. through your columns, let Wairarapa folk know about soldiers from that district stationed in Egypt,” writes Corporal H. Brown, an ambulance driver with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, on June 14. “First of all may I mention a few of i the many I have so far met. Last Wednesday while in Cairo I went into a small tea shop to have a snack. On coming out who should I meet but the one-time smiling taxi-driver of Masterton, Malcolm Howard, and his cobber Bob Ford, also of the same town. We had not met till that day and as he was the one who took me down to the Wellington wharf we decided to have a drink together and talk of old times. Both these lads were in the best of spirits and enjoying life. Also that day I met Sergeant-Major Yule, of Carterton, who in my opinion, is looking fine and after exchanging a few home talks and jokes we went on our way. This seemed to be my lucky day. as about 3.30 that afternoon, while having my hair cut, Pte. B. Caley, of the Royal Oak Hotel, Carterton, came in and although he had not been in the best of health of date he certainly seemed happy this day and judging by the conversation we had for a short time he was on the mend. Also among these friends came Maori boys from both the Te Ore Ore and Gladstone districts and although the heat seems to tire these lads as they stroll round the city streets, they certainly know how to make the best of a day’s outing. “Also from Masterton comes Pte Bob Massey, brother of Tom Massey, who is on the staff of the Public Hospital. Bob is well known in cricket circles and is taking an active part in the games played here. During the weekends one sees these men either visiting old and ancient tombs, or on a boat trip up the Nile, which is a very popular pastime. Another way they pass their time is by being shown about by a “Wog,” as they are named by the New Zealanders. These they pay about five “acckers” and are shown some of the old and ancient land marks and of course all the history of these is described to the fullest. A very amusing sight is the old “Garry” drawn by two horses and having aboard about nine or ten burly New Zealanders singing happily as the horses jog along from the station to the city. “Sisters from the Masterton Public Hospital include Sister Chisholm, who was at the time I saw her sub-matron of No. 2 General Hospital, and to her must be given the utmost credit for the way in which she carries on her duties in a cheery, thoughtful way. Also at this hospital was Sister Stewart, of Masterton. At the time of writing, quite a few more sisters have arrived.”