A "CHEERIO."

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 205, 29 August 1940, Page 9

A "CHEERIO."

FOR THE TROOPS. "STAR'S" NEW SERVICE. "EIGHT (TCLOCK" FEATURE. In response to' numerous requests from friends and relatives of New Zealand soldiers, sailors and airmen serving overseas, the "Auckland Star" will provide an opportunity for its readers to send a personal "cheel-io" to the boys, and at the same time keep them in touch with the sporting life of the city and province.

Provision is being made' for the insertion, in a special column, of an intimate family or friendly greeting, addressed by name to men overseas. Thie eervice will be provided at small cost, and, it goes without saying, will be greatly appreciated by thoee to whom the messages are addressed.

Immensely popular with the young men of Auckland, the "Eight O'Clock" Saturday Sports Edition must be missed by the lads who are now on service in Egypt, in England and on the eeae where the Royal Navy keeps its vigil. One can imagine how gratefully those boys who have sacrificed civilian pleasures will receive an "Eight p'Clqck," containing their own name and a short personal message. The boys' overseas not only look for news' of their relatives, but for word of what is happening amongst the sports .teams with or against whom they have played. This eervice, now being instituted by the "Auckland Star," is most practical. It will be Warmly welcomed by the fighting men. The "Eight o'Clock" with its intimate message, and its splendid sports service, will be a bright spot in khakibound lives.

A message, giving the military number, unit and name of the soldier, sailor or airman for whom it is intended may be handed in at the Shortland Street office of tjie "Auckland Star," or posted, with postal note attached, for inclusion in the "Eight o'Clock" of Saturday, September 7, or subsequent editions. Full military address must be given for purposes of posting, but, owing to military regulations, only the soldier's rank, name and number will be published.

There will be no charge for the military number, rank and name, but a fee of 2/6 will be made for a personal message of fifteen words. A typical example of the eervice proposed: "8676, Private F. Fleming. Cheerio, keep smiling. Hope you a.e well and everything 0.. K. Lorraine, Laura and Jack."

Copies of the "Eight o'Clock" will go forward to the men overseas by the next available mail. Messages for insertion each Saturday should reach the "Star" office not later than 1 p.m. on the preceding Friday. Messages exceeding fifteen words may be inserted by special arrangement. This eervice will be appreciated by families and groups of friends, who will find it an inexpensive means of brightening the routine-governed lives of serving men who are dear to tnem.