N.Z. PRISONERS OF WAR

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23805, 26 November 1942, Page 2

N.Z. PRISONERS OF WAR

APPRECIATION OF MEASURES TO PROVIDE COMFORTS (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 25. The Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) said to-day that the High Commissioner in London (Mr W. J. Jordan) for some time had been sending to all prison camps where New Zealanders are detained a newsletter containing interesting items cabled from New Zealand. Mr Fraser has just received from Mr Jordan a message quoting a number of extracts from prisoners’ cards received from various camps. One New Zealander wrote to Mr Jordan: "You don’t know how much pleasure the sports results and new(i bring us. There is no doubt that the New Zealanders are the best looked after troops here, thanks to your organisation. We are all receiving your cigarette parcels regularly.” Another New Zealander wrote: “All the New Zealanders here—more than 70—hold a weekly social gathering on Sunday evening, when home news is exchanged and discussed. Your letter was read at the last meeting, and everyone i 5 now looking forward to receiving the next.” "It is a good effort, and is proving interesting to iqany,.besides New,.Zealflndefs^i,’;apptHff "wrote. Mr Fraser said inat frbm such comments next-of-kin would appreciate that everything possible was being done to ensure that our men get all possible news of their homeland. The High Commissioner’s office took steps, as soon as a prisoner's address was known, to ensure that parcels of clothing and other requisites were sent. Many letters had reached Mr Jordan expressing appreciation of the work done for the prisoners both from Britain and by the Prisoners of War Office in New Zealand. A recent card said: "New Zealand clothing and cigarettes are a godsend worthy of our native land.”