Todd war diary, 3 August 1914-29 February 1916 / Arthur Todd - Page 289
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[Page 289]
[col]oured population. There is an excellent hotel, and a very good Club, where as usual we were generously entertained. In these parts one must accept invitations warily, for most people breakfast at half-past eleven, having begun the day on a cup of coffee. I remember turning up to breakfast once, at what I conceived to be the civilised hour of 8.30, to find the men folk at work and the women in bed. The climate does not call for a heavy morning meal, and those who have to work rise early, get it done, and then have a midday siesta. Life begins again about 3.30, and a tennis invitation usually means four o'clock. Once a week the Club puts up a West Indian hot pot, a compote of monkey and other things which is eaten as a ceremony by the members. Fortunately we were not told the components of the very dainty dish that was put before us.
Trinidad was always a happy spot for the Australian ships, as the Governor was Sir George le Hunte who once held office in South Australia. He still treasured the most kindly memories of Australia and her people, and made us doubly welcome. Every time the Melbourne or Sydney went to Trinidad the signal came off to the Captain asking him to allow as many officers as convenient to go ashore and stay at Government House. So we packed our kitbags and made for the beach on arrival. Dinners were given and riding and tennis provided, in fact everything that was good was bestowed on us with a lavish hand, for which we who were in the Sydney will never forget Trinidad's hospitable Viceroy. We revisited Trinidad several times, and were always made welcome.