Diary pages from this date

We were in trouble...for the ballet Esther. An enthusiastic audience packed the main hall of St Stephen's College on a Saturday evening. The music was excellent and the dancing, considering the circumstances, was first-rate. The ((Japanese)) authorities, however, were strongly critical of the costumes, which had been made from mosquito nets dipped in solutions of mercurochrome and gentian blue from the hospital dispensary. Perhaps our enthusiasm had taken us a little beyond the realm of prudence, but the show was a huge success.

Source:

Jean Gittins, Stanley: Behind Barbed Wire, 1982, 115

Rumour is still going round the camp relating to repatriation but most of it is just speculation and tripe. We haven't been informed of anything concrete, but it is quite definite that the latter is being discussed at home and Tokyo.We shall just have to wait and see what the outcome is.

The weather has turned much warmer now and the mosquitoes are in their glory however I've been very fortunate in getting a loan of a mosquito net from George Harris (Police) and it is a life saver all right for the mosquitoes we have sing a loud chorus and we call them dive bombers. Flies are a horrible nuisance just now too and bite like the dickens. ((I see an internee George Harris who had been a lighthouse keeper, and another Joseph Harris in the Police, so I'm not sure which one George Gerrard is referring to.))

There isn't a great deal of news to record this week and life with us goes on pretty much as usual with the chow of the poorest tho' they have increased our rice ration that ain't much use, only gives one a pot belly. My weight is not bad being in the region of 175lbs I don't wish to get any heavier than that. 

D.B.B. and I were down at J.F's tonight for our usual coffee and crack. I'm glad to say that my throat is now better and not bothering me anymore.

5 pkts. May Blossom $3.00

Issue of 3 lbs. raw rice

“Esther” ballet

(5) ((or S?))

Damp & muggy.

Walk with Steve pm.

((G.))

repay Y10.