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The Samoa (N.Z.) Expeditionary Force 1914–1915

Chapter XVI. — Housing the Troops

page 96

Chapter XVI.
Housing the Troops.

Owing to the approach of the rainy season it became necessary to make provision for housing the troops. The weather had broken early in September and for days the rain fell in torrential downpours. The rivers rose and the low-lying flats on which the racecourse camp was situated became a sea of mud, which added to the discomfort of the already harrassed guards and picquets, and swamped the tents and surroundings. With no bunks to keep the men off the soaking ground, the poor quality of the food, the pests and ever-present mosquito, which here abounded, the detachments for return to New Zealand daily grew in numbers.

The Malifa school ground was chosen as a new site for this camp, and proved admirable for the purpose. Situated half-a-mile inland on the sloping hillside, it comprised some ten acres of cleared ground, on which were erected four school buildings of considerable size, two bungalows, and several large Samoan fale (houses), which had been specially constructed for the purpose of housing the Samoan boarding scholars. Here was sufficient open space for parade grounds and mule paddocks, and an adjacent bungalow was converted into a camp hospital. But, best of all, near by flowed the Vaisigano River, and the bathing parades held here at various times of the day, always under arms and in charge of an officer, delighted the hearts of the sweating troops.

One residence in the school grounds made ideal officers' quarters, and another was handed over to the Sergeants' Mess, while those troops who could not be accommodated in the existing buildings were placed under canvas pending the erection of further permanent shelters.

The Engineers had found excellent accommodation on Ifi Ifi Road, near the Malifa Camp, in the two-storied and wide-veran-page 97
"D" Battery.Photo by A. J. Tattersall, Apia.

"D" Battery.
Photo by A. J. Tattersall, Apia.

N.Z Field Engineers. Photo by A. J. Tattersall, Apia.

N.Z Field Engineers.
Photo by A. J. Tattersall, Apia.

page 98dahed building which had been, until the date of the occupation, the German Club. The Signallers had also joined them, but now moved to the Pilot Station, on a fine, breezy point with a wide malae (grassy space), and the sea lapping the shore on three sides.

The Market Hall on the waterfront became a haven for the Battery. A main barracks and officers' quarters were built at the Wireless Station for the 100 odd troops there. Two good barracks were erected at Vaea for the Aucklanders. These works were undertaken by the Engineers, with a good deal of valuable assistance from skilled men drawn from the other units, and the Government Chinese coolie gang was also brought into requisition. A guard house was also built at Vailima.

Besides these works the defences were connected up by cutting tracks to the various posts, throwing an emergency bridge across the Vaisigano River, and building an observatory for the Signallers at the Pilot Station. The leading beacon, which had been wrecked by the enemy, was re-erected. Wells were dug and water supply systems improvised, the local fire engine being requisitioned to pump sufficient water for the camp tanks. Extra accommodation was provided at the Transport Camp and Motor Boat section, and storage for the A.S.C. was supplied on the waterfront.

With the improved quarters also came bunks and mosquito nets, the latter proving a great boon and enabling the troops to get a night's rest in peace.

All troops still paraded at daylight, fully accoutred with ammunition-holders and water-bottles filled. Arms inspection was particularly rigid and punishments for irregularity in this respect severe. Any sick unable to march with the column were handed over to the main guard, who retained all men fit to use a rifle. The Machine-Gunners, with their capricious mules harnessed, stood ready to move, and the Quartermaster's staffs were ready at a moment's notice to issue rations.