PRISONERS OF WAR

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3125, 29 May 1942, Page 4

PRISONERS OF WAR

New Zealand prisoners of war, of whom there is official information, number 6121. There is a constant stream of parcels going from the Dominion through neutral channels to the prison camps, and it is cheering to learn that they have arrived safely. Among these men in enemy hands are those who have been seriously wounded and who could not again join a combatant unit. From brief notes that have come from various camps in Germany relatives here have learned that the men are eagerly looking forward to being exchanged for wounded German soldiers captured by the United Nations. This would be done under international agreement and the matter would be handled, on behalf of the British Commonwealth, by the authorities in London. It would remove much anxiety, however, if the Government here could make a statement as to the exact position with respect to these prisoners. Is an international convention in operation; are negotiations in hand, or have exchanges actually commenced ? iSomething definite Would .dertainly be welcomed by many people. WARNING Readers will have noted the simple incident recorded in the daily press recently wherdin an 18-months-old baby died in the Whakatane Hospital as a result of having swallowed a quantity of caustic soda crystals which he had evidently mistaken for sugar. The deadliness of caustic soda is amply demonstrated. Persons using this commonplace household need should take warning and exercise the greatest care where children are concerned. Caustic soda is used on most farms—particularly in sheds where scalding and cleansing of utensils is so essential. The utmost caution is therefore necessary in seeing that the crystals are stored well beyond the reach of children who might be tempted to handle them. The mere contact of these crystals is highly dangerous and can lead to deep seated burns and even blindness.