WOMEN KNIT FOR VICTORY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 172, 22 July 1940, Page 11

WOMEN KNIT FOR VICTORY.

Prodding Comforts For The Air Force.

An organisation which is working assiduously in various parts of the Dominion in the performance of a highly commendable patriotic undertaking is that which styles itself the Air Force Relations, and has its headquarters in Wellington.

In recent weeks a branch of the organisation has been formed at Hobsonville under the direction and presidency of Mrs. E. M. Burrell, and already a great deal has been accomplished hi the direction of providing comforts for members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Assisting Mrs. Burrell are Mesdames G. Bolt (vice-president), L. Taylor (secretary and treasurer), J. Koser." W. Abraham and A. Andrews. The memliers |of the committee are throwing all their enthusiasm and energy into the task they have net themselves, and they have the support of a number of helpers. Such is the wealth of work requiring to be done, however, that the practical aid of other workers is being sought. Indeed, witJh the Air Force going rapidly from strength to strength as the tempo of the war increases, the need for enlisiting the | active co-operation of the women of the ' Auckland district has become imperative if the committee is to achieve its ideal of supplying seta of knitted garments — pullovers, socks, gloves, balaclavas and scarves—to each man on the Hobsonville station and each man going overseas. Generous support from Auckland business firms, which is gratefully acknowledged by Mrs. Burrell, supplemented by funds raised by entertainment at Hobsonville and aid from headquarters, have enabled the committee to purchase materials thus far, and a continuance of its activities ha* been assured by the National Patriotic Council arranging to meet its growing demands for wool for making up.

Army of Knitters Wanted. Wool is one thing and fuliy made Up garments is another, and the committee is now taking steps to build up its army of knitters. A room has been placed at its disposal at 47, St. Paul's Street, city, and members of the committee will be in attendance there each Friday, commencing tliirt week, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the purpose of distributing wool to those willing to help the Air Force Relations cause, for receiving knitted garments made in accordance with approved patterns, and enrolling volunteers. In the meantime those prepared to assist in furthering the objects of the organisation may communicate with Mrs. Burrell at 16 Air Base.

Despite the disadvantage of the committee's remoteness from the city, it is operating on an ever-widening scale. While appreciative of the efforts of knitters who have rallied round them to date, the members of the committee believe that their activities can be greatly extended and accelerated, and are confident that their appeal for knitting recruits will meet with a very generous response.

While the committee is concentrating on first things firsts-warm woollen comforts of the Air Force men—it has functioned also in the direction of providing pyjamas for the Air Force men who are patients in the Ilobsonville station hospital, and forwarding to headquarters a large quantity of butterscotch for inclusion in parcels which are being forwarded at regular intervals to members of the Air Force overseas. With its limited resources, the committee has accomplished wonders in a short period in an unostentatious way, and, given the support it deserves, and which it undoubtedly will receive, it will be able to look back when the war is won on a job well done with the wholehearted .co-operation of women, whose knitting needles had worked untiringly.