AFTER ARMISTICE
PATRIOTIC WELFARE KIWIS STILL WEED PARCELS The importance of continuing to send patriotic gift parcels and other comforts overseas for the New Zealand forces is emphasised by Colonel F. Waite, commissioner for the National Patriotic Fund Board, in his latest report to the board from Italy. "No one can say how long the war in Italy will last," he says, "but with shipping difficulties it may be assumed that there will be considerable numbers of New Zealanders in the Middle East until the end of 1945. Especially after an armistice, welfare will be more than ever necessary. I would strongly urge that there be no cessation of gift parcels and other shipments until it is quite certain that there is no further need for them." Snow and mud on the northern Italian front, stated Colonel Waite, had made the hostels at Riccione and Forli, and the leave centres at Florence and Rome, more valuable than ever. "At Riccione, where there are 105 beds, and at Forli, where there are 54 beds," the report continues, "the men come straight from the line for four days' rest. This rest period is entirely free, and it is difficult to estimate the morale value of those four days, out of the mud and in a warm building, with plenty to eat at a table with a white tablecloth, and with ample reading and writing facilities. All mending and washing is done for the men and they really do appreciate the break. The hotels at Rome and Florence put up their leave parties for a week, and the men have the opportunity of seeing the sights, visiting the opera, the art galleries and the shops."
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Bibliographic details
Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 84, 10 April 1945, Page 6
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282AFTER ARMISTICE Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 84, 10 April 1945, Page 6
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