HUGE TASK

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 212, 7 August 1945, Page 2

HUGE TASK

SORTING CLOTHES FOll UNRRA

“The task is simply colossal, as you can see, and it is going to take. us all our time to complete the packing to schedule,” said one of the women workers at the military barracks in : Main Street, when speaking to a representative of the “Manawatu Standard.” She indicated with a sweep of her arm the tremendous piles of unsolved clothing which had accumulated as a result of the appeal made on Saturday for clothes to be distributed through” Unrra to the needy in Europe. At first glance all appeared to be indescribable confusion. The extensive floor space of the depot was literally covered with bundles and packages of every variety, glimpses of their contents being revealed by the many torn coverings, while lines of trestle tables were piled high with a multiplicity of garments. But as one began to take in the details of the scene it became evident that order was rapidly being restored out of chaos. Indeed, taking into account the few short hours the women had been at work, an incredible amount liad already been accorupliselid. “Twenty-two lorry - loads were brought in,” said Mrs G. C. Petersen (chairman of tlie Lady Galway Guild), “and odd parcels are still being received.” It was hoped, she said, that the sorting and packing would be completed by August 23rd, since the cases were expected to be in Wellington by the end of the month. A tour of the long trestle tables where the women were busily working was au illuminating experience, many of the garments so painstakingly patched and mended providing unmistakable evidence of the kindly and sympathetic thought which had gone into the preparation for tins humane gesture towards those who are in. such dire need. That sacrifices had been made was obvious, for no one in these days of stiitt rationing could give new clothes without a, toll of coupons being taken, and there wero new clothes in abundance, some with their tickets sti.l attached. Neat piles of infants’ garments covered one table, many of them beautifully knitted and exquisitely embroidered. At another table costumes, woollen suits and skirls were being carefully sorted, provided with jumpers, blouses or cardigans in the most suitable harmonising colours and tied together to make complete ensembles that ivill, it is hoped, delight the heart of many a woman. All the goods were being sorted according to type or to the ages of the prospective wearers. For instance, one case was being neatly packed with women’s overcoats, a moth preventive being sprinkled liberally between cam layer, while another case was being filled with infants’ apparel. At one end of the depot there was an imposing array of boots and shoes, nearly all of which were in excellent condition, many of them having been newly repaired. “Here’s a mascot,” called one woman, delving into a bundle and holding aloft a beautiful little doll, doubtless included by an understanding mother with the hope that it would gladden the heart of some little waif.

To assist the Lady Galway Guild, which is in charge, periods of duty are being taken by members of various women’s organisations, those assisting on the opening day being the Baptist Church, Hospitality Committee, St. Peter’s and the United Guilds, the Y.W.C.A. and the National Party. Each organisation is packing its own cases and labelling them with its name. An inventory of the goods contained is being attached to each case, both inside and outside, to ensure easy distribution overseas. The Mayoress (Mrs Manaford) in timated that more helpers wore still urgently _ needed, each one being required to bring a needle and a pair of scissors. A similar scene on a smaller scale was witnessed at the Red Cross Hall in Cuba Street, where 20 cases had already been packed and. labelled ready for despatch. “The quantity and quality of the clothes brought in is amazing,” said Mrs J. 11. Whyte, who, with Mrs Ivan Wilson, iin charge of tho arrangements; valuable assistance being afforded by Mrs BridenJonos. Men’s overcoats, suits and underwear were nearly all of good quality and among the numerous women’s overcoats received were several fur coats which anyone might have been proud to wear.