INQUIRY OFFICE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 188, 11 August 1941, Page 8

INQUIRY OFFICE

OFFICIAL OPENING

PRISONERS OF WAR

The new office of the Prisoners of War Inquiry Office in the Bank of New Zealand Chambers, Swanson Street, Auckland, was officially opened this morning by Sir Ernest Davis, chairman of the Joint Council of the Older of St. John and the New Zealand Red Cross Society, under whose auspices the Prisoners of War Inquiry Office will be operated. Sir Ernest said it was a great pleasure for him to be able to perform the opening ceremony. The office had definite responsibility and would fulfil an important-function in administering to the comfort of prisoners of war from the New Zealand forces and also providing information for friends and relatives as to means of communication both regarding parcels and letters. He thought that the joint committee owed a debt of gratitude to the prisoners of war sub-committee chairman, Mr. W. M. White, and Mesdames W. R. Wilson and A. M. Fergusson, who had attended to all details of furnishings and planning the layout of the office. The Mayor, Mr. J. A. C. Allum, said he wished to congratulate the committee on the opening of the office in such a central position. The Town Hall had received many inquiries regarding prisoners of war, and it would be a relief to him to be able to pass these on to the Prisoners of War Office. He also wished to express appreciation of the valuable work being performed by the joint council. Canon R. G. Coats asked divine blessing on the project. Inquiries may be made througn the office either directly, by letter to P.O. Box 247, or by telephone, the number being 41-634.