GENERAL’S THANKS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 75, 9 January 1941, Page 2

GENERAL’S THANKS.

FOOTBALL GEAR FOR TROOPS.

THIRTY-SEVEN TEAMS EQUIPPED

(Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, January S

The excellent way in which it has been possible to fit out the many Rugby teams in the New Zealand Expeditionary; Force from patriotic contributions made by the of the Dominion is shown in a letter received this afternoon from (General Freyberg.

General Freyberg writes: “To 'toil you how we are using some of the funds so generously given by the people of New Zealand. While I was in England we were able to get a big stock of football gear. The second contingent has already been fully equipped, and we are now equipping the forces in Egypt. Up to this stage many matches have had to be played in tennis shoes, and jerseys and socks have been difficult to obtain. Needless to say, the arrival of this firstclass gear will make a tremendous difference, and I can assure you it will he greatly appreciated.” General Freyberg enclosed a list showing the distribution of the equipment Ho described the distribution as excellent.

This list shows that 37 teams have been provided with gear on a basis of sets comprising 16 pairs of boots, 20 jerseys, 17 pairs of shorts, and 18 pairs' of hose. The teams have had between them 54 sets of jerseys, shorts, and hose, and 29 sets of boots.