DISTRIBUTION OF COMFORTS

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24280, 10 June 1944, Page 2

DISTRIBUTION OF COMFORTS

COLONEL F. WAITE IN CHRISTCHURCH

“We have gone to a good deal of trouble to distribute the parcels, and I think the majority of men are well satisfied with our work,” said Lieuten-ant-Colonel F. Waite. M.L.C.. Commissioner for the National Patriotic Fund Board, who has just returned from the Middle East, when addressing a meeting of patriotic workers at the Jellicoe Hall.

“I am satisfied that we can stand up to any investigation as to how the money has been spent,” he continued. “The accounts are all audited. Of course, we have made some mistakes, but often we have worked under exceptional conditions, I believe that we have evolved a scheme that has stood up to the usages of war.” When commending the efforts of patriotic workers throughout the Dominion, Lieutenant-Colonel Waite assured the audience that their work had been much appreciated. New Zealand soldiers were further away from their homeland than any other troops, the speaker pointed out. and it was most essential that their people at home should continue to be interested in them. The New Zealand welfare organisation, he believed, was the best of its kind associated with any force. "We have built up considerable resources within ‘.he last few months.” he said, “but with the renewed fighting, esnecially in Italy, I believe that we will want all we have and more." Not only the soldiers were catered for; it was the aim of his organisation to keep in touch with New Zealanders serving in the air forces and in the Royal Navy.

Emphasising the innortance of keeping servicemen supplied with literature, he said: “If a soldier can sit down and read a book now and then he is reasonably happw and can nut up with a good deal.” Considerable difficulty had been experienced, he added, in obtaining all the book? renuired for the men in Italy. In Italy considerable literature had been obtained, but as if was all printed in Italian it was of little use.

After relating in detail much of what had b°en nmempli-hed for th' - comfort and welfare of men and women serving oversea?, t ieutenantColone] Waite remarked; "Wo are doing all sorts of things, some of which, for security "urnnses. we cannot possiblv give publicity to as yet.”

EXPECTED ARRIVALS Ranpatira, Wellington, this day (2 West) Wahine. Wellington, June 16. PR**-( • I • li |»l-" M?th KE s Totara, Wellington, this day, Ranpatirr.. Wellington, to-night. Kakapo, Bluff, June 12. Wahine Wsllineton June 12. VESSELS (N PORT Totara, Nn. 2 Ea'-t. Wahine. Me. 3 Ea-t. Pukeko, Mo 6 We t. Kakapo, No. 7 West.