PARCELS FOR THE FRONT.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 137, 9 June 1917, Page 6

PARCELS FOR THE FRONT.

SUSPENSION OF GIFT SCHEME. ONLY TENTATIVE MEASURE. STATEMENT BY MAYORESS. The following statement in reference to the temporary suspension of the •' Dominion gift scheme" by the Auckland Women's Patriotic League, and the substitution of a system of monetary grants to units at the front, was given to the "Star" to-day by Mrs. .1. H. Gunson, president of the League: — " Auckland has evidently experienced difficulties that have not yet been met with in the southern centres. The Dominion gift scheme, until the last few months, was most enthusiastically supported in the Auckland province. Lately many reports from officers and men at the front, and from returned soldiers, had shaken the confidence which our people had previously entertained in the scheme, added to which transport and distribution—actording to reports — through the exigencies of war, were becoming more and more difficult, with the result that it became apparent that our contributions would largely cease. A meeting of the executive of the Women's Patriotic League was called last week, and it was decided that, as far as Auckland was concerned, it was impossible for the present to go on with the scheme, and that it must be temporarily suspended. " A short time previously." continued Mrs. Gunson, "all the southern centres were written to and advised of some of the difficulties. Auckland has no desire to render futile the Dominion organisation for these gifts. If a conference is desired. Auckland will co-operate in reconsidering the whole position. Transport difficulties and delays in shipment also discouraged our provincial workers. In view of the circumstances the provincial interests, on whose co-opera-tion the scheme depends, would not unitedly continue unless more satisfaction was forthcoming as to the gifts reaching the soldiers. The position at present is that Auckland has of necessity had to suspend the scheme temporarily. If it can be shown to the satisfaction of our people that its renewal is in the interests of our soldiers, and that these gifts, in reasonable numbers, reach them, and are appreciated, then. ! am sure, the patriotic workers of this province will readily co-operate again in this scheme with the other centres. With a view to still further ascertaining the position up to the present the officers of the Women's Patriotic League are cabling direct to the front for the latest information regarding transport and other difficulties. Branch leagues will be communicated with definitely as soon as data are available, and the members of the City League will be notified to attend a meeting to fully consider the position."