THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. “ Public Service.” WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 1944. GRATEFUL RECIPIENTS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32432, 17 May 1944, Page 4

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. “ Public Service.” WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 1944. GRATEFUL RECIPIENTS

There is no room for any doubt that the most eagerlyawaited break in the routine of active service is the arrival of mails and gift parcels from home. It is the lot of New Zealand servicemen to have to fight their battles in theatres far distant from their homeland, under conditions of climate very different from those to which they have been accustomed. Discomforts entirely new to them have to be endured. Snow and ice in Europe, sandstorms in the • North African desert, the prostrating humidity and insect pests of tropical islands, are experiences which by contrast with the pleasant conditions of life in their own country must naturally be conducive to feelings of nostalgia as thoughts turn to New Zealand.

The solace and encouragement given by letters and parcels from their kinsfolk are possibly far greater than can be realised by the senders. That our servicemen on land, sea, and in the air force are duly grateful for the comforts these things bring to mind and body there is an abundance of evidence in letters from overseas, and from, men who have returned. It has been a splendid thing for the morale of the men. In numerous instances, particularly in enemy prisoner-of-war camps, the arrival of comforts from New Zealand has meant a vital and timely reanimation of strength and spirits. That the flow of correspondence and gift parcels should be well maintained is a continuing wartime obligation and privilege, a standing item in the budget of every citizen throughout the Dominion. In honour as well as sentiment that obligation must be met, not in casual sixpences, but by contributions betokening the sincerity of the public’s feeling of. indebtedness to the fighting services. The sum required from the citizens of Paeroa and the surrounding areas to meet the call for comforts overseas is only £1250 this year. There should be no trouble at all about collecting this amount. The spirit of giving, after four years of war, still quickens spontaneously when the call is sounded. It is stimulated by the knowledge we now have that the appreciation of the gateful recipients is in its sincerity something beyond measure.