“DO’S AND DON’TS”

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 September 1943, Page 8

“DO’S AND DON’TS”

GIFTS FOR PACIFIC TROOPS.

SOUTH PACIFIC BASE. Sept. 6. What to send the boys who are fighting in the jungle countries of the South and South-west Pacific is a question that many mothers, wives, and sweethearts _ will be asking themselves as; Christmas approaches. The question is as apposite in Australia and Ne t w Zealand as it is in the United States, but lor those who are likely to be perplexed here is a guide that may be accepted as practical and expedient. Deluged lasff year with woollen sweaters, and packages of what they term “gooey” food, headquarters of the 37th (Ohio; Division has; eorne forward with a list of “Do’s” and “Don’t” for the mailing of Christmas packages to members of tlieir unit. .Because the men are living in foxholes in jungle conditions, the prime need is that articles to be sent should be useful under such conditions or, if food, should be capable of being eaten on arrival.

The “Do Send” list therefore includes flashlights (very sturdy without gadgets); -pocket knives’ of the Boy Scout type; hunting knives, underwear and socks; inexpensive wrist watches; shaving equipment (only double-edge blades unless specified); hair tonic: candy (tinned

only); pictures (snap-shot size): writing material (stationery and ink); fountain pens and pencils; pipes: rubber bath shoes; bathing trunks; washable playing cards; miniature games (chess and checkers); cigarette lighters, flints, and fluids; waterproof cigarette containers; small waterproof housewives (sewing kits, needles, thread, buttons); compact flexible snapshot holders, pocket size with pictures; closeci soap containers; and waterproof matchboxes.

The “Don’t Send” list includes woollen sweaters and warm clothing of any kind; perishable food; leather goods of any kind (on account of mould); money; anything bulky or fragile; cigarettes (they are issued free); exterior clothing or neckties; large frame pictures; _ fancy games (miniature sizes are okay). If possible gifts of metal should be of stainless steel or some other rustresisting metal. The jungle climate rusts metal and moulds leather—even rots the stitches in leather articles so that they fall apart.