Evening star., 1953-01-25
PORT LYAuTEY.
(Mrs. d. W. B.. Ne,u York;

5t tMTSs Os w. O0 "CW W "
II I am a Navy wife in Port
hyautey. My aunt sent me
1.-THE clipping Of your request
flor information about this base
land I will try to help you al
though I expect your husband
ycan tell you more. He will
probably be here a few months
before you come over.
/ II your husband can find
you q nice place to live, you
should not hesitate to come
over. Some families live bet
ter than they did in the States
and some have very poor living
conditions.
Most of the houses offer linn
sited space, fewer rooms than
American houses, little II any
storage space or closets. In
most cases a house consists Of
unfurnished rooms. The bath
rooms are often the same as
American ones and some have
hot water. The kitchen Is usu-
ally furnished with a small
sink and drainboard. Some
kitchens have a counter ad-
Joining the sink under which
may be a cabinet for bottled
gas.
Most wives who do not bring
a gas stove regret 1t. Nearly
all stoves have to be readjusted
here. I think you should bring
a refrigerator. Many bring
gas or kerosene but those OF
us who brought electric are
quite satisfied with them. How
ever, an electric stove is not
recommended. Your electric
appliances will be convenient
and will work all right only
a little more slowly. Most peo-
pie bring a wringer type wash
er: a few have Semi-automatic.
I know one person who brought
her ironer and is glad. Most
Americans employ a fatima,
an Arab woman, to do the
housework and help with the
children.
The floors are tile and quite
cold. Most houses are also
damp. There is lots Of dirt and
sand, so while a rug is needed,
1t would not be wise to bring
q good one. One that could be
washed would be preferable.
Most Americans prefer space
heater. Some houses have fire
places or flues. Our landlord
knocked a hole in the wall for
ours. Many people get port
able heaters and consider them
adequate. You could get one
here, however, but you should
bring your space heater II
you want one.
The weather Is not depend
able. This year our thermom-
eter has registered a low Of
SO degrees. The rainy season
has begun II mostly frequent
showers. The children won't
need snow suits but they'll
need warm clothing. prefer
ably the type which can be
removed as the day warns up.
Rain clothes are a necessity,
especially for school children.
It is inconvenient. though pos
sible to have dry cleaning
done. The service Is slow. You
will need your regular cloth
ing, except for heavy winter
things. Orders placed with q
mail order company usually
return in a few months.
My children are not school
age so I cannot give you &C
curate information about the
schools. I believe there are
about 800 children near the
base school. Buses collect the
children near their homes.
Nearly every one considers the
school more advanced than
stateside. Due to the large
enrolment there has been a
shortage Of books and supplies
but this condition may have
already been remedied. A few
Americans enroll their chill
dren in the French schools. I
understand the high school
pupils take their studies
through correspondence:
therefore, some subjects are
not available.
The CommisSary and Ships
Store carry most of our imme-
diate needs though there are
periods when basic items may
not be available. Fresh vege-
tables can be bought in the
local market and are excellent.
You may be also interested
In knowing that there is an
Officers Wives Club and a
Navy Wives Club (enlisted)
here and you would be most
welcome to become a member.
+ = = Il
TO CLEAN GLOVES?