J Force - A skiing weekend in Japan

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Broadcaster Ulric Williams introduces David Garlick of Helensville [military service number 827272] who reads a letter to his mother about a recent skiing weekend enjoyed by some of the New Zealanders serving in Japan in February 1947.

The skiing party of New Zealanders travelled by train to Tokusa [Tokusagamine?] a farming and milling village in the mountains. They were made very comfortable at Asaihi, a Japanese hotel run by Mr Shinohara. They set out early the next morning for the mountain about 15 minutes walk away.

Many of the local children were expert skiers. It was difficult to learn to ski with
all the distractions, but they are all hoping to go again. David Garlick ends by sending greetings to his mother, friends and family.

This recording is one of a series made by the New Zealand Broadcasting Service unit stationed with J Force troops in Japan, 1946-1948. The recordings were sent back for playing on radio in New Zealand as part of the series 'With the Kiwis in Japan.'