Way Work in Sydney by New Zealanders

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 186, 7 August 1941, Page 9

Way Work in Sydney by New Zealanders

COMFORTS FOR MEN (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 4. The work of 500 New Zealanders domiciled in Sydney who ha\*e formed c.n organisation to provide comforts, hospitality and recreational facilities for New Zealand personnel passing through that city wah warmy praised by the Minister of Defence, Mr. F. Jones, to-day. “This organisation. Which Is known as the New Zealand Auxiliary War Unit of New South Wales, is doing splendid work,” said the Minister, “and it is anxious to do still more.” In fact, added Mr. Jones, he had received a request from the committee to advise all service personnel that a warm welcome awaited them in Sydney should they be passing through, :nd he was quite sure that our lads would appreciate meeting their fellowcountrymen in Australia. Rooms for the auxiliary had been made available at the New Zealand Government Tourist Bureau, 14 Martin Place, Sydney, and these were' used as a meeting place, library, rest room and inquiry bureau. Entertainments, such as parties, tours and harbour trips, were arranged for New Zealand servicemen, and comforts, such as cigarettes, rocks and balaclavas, were supplied free to men in need of them, and in the case of men returning from overseas full kits had been supplied. Invalided and wounded soldiers were visited in hospital and given fruit and tobacco. All the work was on a voluntary basis, said Mr. Jones, and the funds of the unit were kept up by donations from members. However, a subsidy was being made in future from the New Zealand Patriotic Fund Board, the patrons of the unit were Lady Julius and Mr. W; Taylor, New Zealand Trade Commissioner, while th* chairman and honorary organising secretary were Mr. A. R. Cameron and Mrs. Linda Ferguson respectively. Mr. Jones added that the New Zealand Government deeply appreciated the efforts of these New Zealanders to help service personnel who arg visiting Sydney.