48
homes were gone, their possessions looted, but Mr. Duncan and Mr. Danby still could laugh, and still could dry out pine needles and chop them up for a smoke. They did their share of the communal work with outward cheer. Duncan was a champion bowler and still took his turnat bowls at the match that was on in the camp. There were energetic sportsmen who found time and played bowls, baseball and even a little tennis. There were plenty of beaches, but they were out of bounds to us. It may have been just as well, as an appetite from swimming could have been disastrous. So the British has taken his sport to the camp and as if the diet had not made him pull in his belt several inches, he draws it another inch by self-imposed sport. I will say that it was only a minority that indulged.
The favourite pastime in the bungalow seemed to be chess.
By sitting and watching a good many games, Clyde learnt the mechanics of the play. All the players played with him and he became a very enthusiastic player. Mr. Hall was especially patient with him, not only with chess but also with a few boxing lessons. In fact, they were all kind to the children and not once were they maliciously checked. Reproved they were, but in a very kind and helpful spirit. Clyde once said to me, "Mummy, wouldn't you always like to live in this bungalow with all these lovely people?" I'm afraid, my dear little boy, I should not. Living in Stanley under normal conditions in one's own bungalow would be ideal and I should not mind if all my neighbours were those "lovely people" but do let us have a place big enough not to tread on each other's pet corns. Yes, it required restraint to live happily, and I will not deny there were some very hot flare-ups, but I was also surprised with the ease we got over them. Never have I been in a community where adults spoke out with little attempt at glossing over hurt feelings. Perhaps it was this ability of
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker