CHRISTMAS IN CAMP

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20995, 23 December 1939, Page 6

CHRISTMAS IN CAMP

SOLDIERS AT HOPU HOPE VERY FEW MEN ON DUTY FESTIVE DINNER ON MONDAY Final leave before embarking for active service overseas has depleted the complement of the Hopu Hopu military camp from some 1600 troops to a mere 60. Those remaining are “holding the fort” until the return from leave of the other men next Thursday. Ample provision has been made for the Christmas cheer of those still in camp, the majority of whom are on home defence service and, therefore, not participating in the final leave.

To-day a cricket match was commenced between two elevens drawn from the men still in camp, and the match will be continued over thS holiday. On Monday a special Christmas dinner will be provided by the Ngaruawahia Red Cross and the Ngaruawahia branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. The men in camp are particularly grateful to these organisations. Patriotic societies, particularly those in the Waikato, have provided other gifts and comforts for the men in camp and it is anticipated that an enjoyable Christmas will he spent. Usual guards will have to be posted, of course, but a certain amount of relaxation will be allowed during this week-end. Major Sinclair C. Reid, Camp Commandant, and his staff convey Christmas greetings to the many citizens of Hamilton and other Waikato towns who have so generously assisted _ towards entertaining and catering for the troops of the first echelon of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force during their three months’ training at the Hopu Hopu military camp.