AT FIRST HAND

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 125, 22 February 1944, Page 3

AT FIRST HAND

News Of Prisoners Of War

The wives and mothers of men in German prison camps were able to meet repatriated prisoners of war at a gathering arranged by the women’s section of the Wellington R.S.A. on Saturday. Three hundred women attended and the 25 repatriated men were the centre of eager groups, all anxious for first-hand knowledge of their relatives, and of conditions in the camps. The president, Mrs. O. H. Weston, and her committee, arranged the gathering, which was held in the cafeteria. at the Disabled Servicemen’s Training Centre in Lloyd Street. The delightful afternoon tea that was served was the gift of Major and Mrs. Abel. Patiently, the men answered the many questions with understanding and as fully as they were able. This gave great satisfaction to their hearers and often great pleasure, for the men, in some cases, had daily and for some months been seeing some of the husbands and sons in these camps. Prison camp .life was described, with its routine, study groups and sports activities and tributes were paid to the Red Cross for its humanitarian • and faithful service. The New Zealand parcels were of. better food value than any other the prisoners received, and some of the men spoke about the favoured treatment extended to New Zealanders. The clothing was warmer and cigarettes were regularly supplied.