COMFORTS FOR MEN OVERSEAS

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 9, 6 October 1941, Page 3

COMFORTS FOR MEN OVERSEAS

The volume of comforts now necessary to meet the requirements of the New Zealand Forces in the Middle Bast, is shown from the figures relating to one consignment sent this. year by the National Patriotic Fund Board. It comprized 5743 cases of comforts of a total cubic measurement of 326 tons, and was valued at £33,856. By far the greater part of the goods was gift parcels whiea bad been provided through the eleven provincial patriotic councils. There were 4352 cases of these parcels. Other comforts included 256 cases, or nearly foOOO worth, of tobacco and cigarettes, for tree distribution, 385 cases of woollen goods, aud £625 worth of cigarettes, tobacco, and confectionery for the stocking of mobile canteens. A request for more radio sets was met bv the provision of 50 sets, together with 50 erates of batteries. Also in the consignment were 37 cases of band instruments, to replace instruments lost by the 4th and sth Brigade Bands in Crete. In addition to the comforts sent for the forces overseas, stocks of comforts ranging from writing materials to talking picture films for use mi the voyage are always put on the transports, and at intervals special comforts are sent for the Maori Battalion. In one shipment., for instance, there were 70 cases containing approximately 2000 tinned mutton birds, three cases of pork, and 72 cases of other assorted Maori delicacies.