WELCOME PARCELS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20621, 24 November 1941, Page 7

WELCOME PARCELS

GIFTS FROM GISBORNE DURHAM APPRECIATION Sincere appreciation for gifts forwarded from the Victoria League in Gisborne is expressed in a letter from Durham, England, to Mrs. J. Cranswick, Fox street, who included a note with some of the garments sent for distribution among children of the bombed areas. The writer was Mr. W. C. Hardy, a member of local bodies and other organisations in and around Durham, who said he was in a position to view the needs of the people from many angles. “I would like to take this opportunity of expressing my sincere thanks and appreciation for your kindness in forwarding to the Motherland needy gifts for the children of parents who are doing so much by their sacrifices, labours, service and courage to keep the old flag flying,” Mr. Hardy stated. “The district in which I live is composed, in the main, of coal pits and factories. For many, many years prior to this war the north-west of Durham was classified as a derelict area. Pits were working badly, with the result that many families were on reduced incomes, dole, and public relief. Things were beginning to look up. Then war in all its hideous forms came upon us Also, a week ago to-night, 200yds, from where I now pen this letter, large areas were suddenly blasted to the ground. Injured lay about, and, I am sorry to say, we lost some good folk. The Will To Win “Do not let this distz-ess you. V/e are sorry for those who have suffered, but we are determined to see this through to the bitter end. We have the will to win, and so long as we can put our hand out and get the support of you, the people of Gisborne, and other good-hearted people, we know we will not fight or suffer in vain.

“I wish to extend my thanks to members of the Victoria League. I do so because one of my recent applications to the headquarters of the S.S. and A.F.A. was for two wives of serving men who had children and needed clothing. My appeal wa"s successful. Included in the parcels were many articles for babies, with the best wishes of the Victoria League and a frinedl.v note from you. I know you would like to know that your splendid gifts are in the hands of people who are very grateful. May God bless you and your friends and the good work you are doing."