GIFTS FOR N.Z. TROOPS

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22936, 5 February 1940, Page 3

GIFTS FOR N.Z. TROOPS

knitted comforts AND CIGARETTES CfSOM: OTTK. OWS COBEESrOXDENT.) • LONDON, December 22. During the last fortnight members of the committee of the New Zealand Women’s Association have been in daily attendance at New Zealand House receiving knitted comforts for some 600 New Zealand men who are on service or in training in England. The majority are, of course, in the Royal Air Force, but some are in the Royal Navy, and 150 are in an Army camp being instructed for anti-tank duty. ' Mrs W. J. Jordan, president of the association, was there each day, and so were several more, while other members came on alternate days. The time for doing knitting was very short, but members of the association in all parts of the country wished to help, so that in ample time for pre-Christ-mas dispatch, all the parcels were made up and addressed. Mrs B. C. Freyberg saw that . 200 pairs of mittens arrived in time. They were made by women auxiliary war workers at A-R-P- centres. The girl secretaries in the High Commissioner’s office made many scarves during their black-out train journeys home. All the garments were made in the regulation service colours of navy, grey-blue, and khaki. Each man has already received a neat box, carefully secured, containing some article made of wool, as well as a slab of chocolate and a box of cigarettes. In each parcel, too, was a card of greeting bearing the New Zealand flag and conveying the good wishes of the New Zealand Women’s Association and the New Zealand Men’s Society. Each of these organisations contributed £3O to the fund, while New Zealanders living in England sent gifts of money, ranging fror £lO to one shilling. To Mrs Hal Williams was assigned the duty of addressing all the parcels. They were sent off in good time so as to reach the men, a number of whom were granted Christmas leave. Others are having respite at the New Year. The committee of the New Zealand Women’s Association is very grateful to the staff of New Zealand House for giving all the help and information needed by the workers.