Provision Of Comforts For Men In Camps

Northern Advocate, 9 November 1939, Page 2

Provision Of Comforts For Men In Camps

“An outstanding problem challenging the best thought of patriotic purposes has been the inauguration of a large scale activity for the benefit of the men in camps under service conditions to which women of the province could wholeheartedly devote their energies." The deputy chairman of the Whangarei District Patriotic Committee 'Mr J. A. S. Mac Kay said this yesterday. when speaking at a meeting of the Whangarei District Women's Emergency Corps. “At first sight a solution was not discernible, and the resulting delay has strained almost to breaking point tiie patience of those who, in their desire to help, wore prepared to ‘do anything' so long as it was an aid to the men serving our country." All would recognise the wisdom of planning so that wastage could bo avoided and the manufacture of unsuitable: garments prevented, continued Mr Mac Kay. Comforts Scheme He outlined the first ■ instalment of an extensive scheme designed to absorb the voluntary services of all women in the Whangarei district who were prepared to assist.

This scheme related to the provision for the distribution to the soldiers in camps at Hopuhopu, North Shore and Motutapu, the members of the Air Force at Hobsonville, and members of the mercantile marine under service conditions, of 4000 pairs of handknitted socks. 4000 pairs of pyjamas, 4000 Christmas parcels, and a supply of Christmas puddings. Mr Mac Kay pointed out that although socks were an army issue, pyjamas, except for use in hospitals, were not. Ele had been informed that hand-knitted socks of serviceable colour. and standard size pyjamas were gifts that would not only tao appreciated but would fulfil a definite want. Organisation Required. “The proposal for the despatch , to each member of the forces of a Christmas package, which would doubtless include say cigarettes, sweets, a handkerchief and a toothbrush, and the distribution of Christmas puddings to camps and stations speaks for itself,’" he said. “Of the activities to which I have referred, the first two items, according to the length of the war, arc likely to be recurring. “This work will require a high degree of organisation, apart from the application of willing workers to the jobs themselves.”

Mr Mac Kay suggested that people in the Whangarei Patriotic District might set themselves a minimum of 150 pairs of hand-knitted socks, 150 pairs of pyjamas, 150 Christmas packages and 150 Christmas puddings. Regarding the handling of gifts, he said that all money and gifts had to be handed to the district committee headquarters at the municipal buildings. Collection of Funds. Speaking of the organisation for patriotic work, Mr Mac Kay said that in Northland an executive and seven district committees were functioning, and, like the whole of the organisation throughout the province, the Centennial organisation had been adapted for patriotic requirements. He emphasised that funds collected would not go to the Government, as some people erroneously believed. The Govexmment could not touch the funds, which would be administered and disbursed by the people of the province through the Auckland Provincial Patriotic Council. Each province had complete autonomy in that regard, and it. not the State, was the trustee or custodian of the funds. Neither was the administration of patriotic affairs concentrated in or dominated by Auckland. The province had been sub-divided into nine zones, which had substantial representation on the governing body. For the collection of funds a flag day would be held throughout the province on November 24, and this day would be suitable to the Whangarei committee.

Individual Effort,

Mr Mac Kay apologised for the absence of the Mayor (Mr Jones), chairman of the committee, who was in Wellington for the opening of the Centennial Exhibition. It was unfortunate that Mr Jones could not be present, he said, as he had taken great interest in the work, and was more fully conversant with what had been done and what should be done in the future. “All volunteers are a charge on us, not only the boys from our own district,” concluded Mr Mac Kay. After a long discussion, the corps decided that members should volunteer individually for the work and indicate what they were prepared to do. “Our work will have to be voluntary, as there is no provision at present for the expenditure of funds,” said the president (Miss A. H. Cookson). “If members give in their names as being willing to help, the organisation can be put in hand.”

It was decided that when names were recorded, the direction in which each individual would help should be given, whether in service or goods, and also to induce other people to participate in the scheme. Members also approved a suggestion that information should be available at the Town Hall supper room epch Wednesday and Friday.