To Prevent Selling Of Gift Cigarettes

Northern Advocate, 17 September 1941, Page 7

To Prevent Selling Of Gift Cigarettes

[Per Press Association.—Copvrightl CHRISTCHURCH. This Day. “Reports of the sale of gift cigarettes are exaggerated, but that some sales do take place is undoubtedly true.” writes the overseas commissioner of the National Patriotic Fund Board (Lt.-Col. F. Waite) in a report to the board on complaints of the sale in canteens of cigarettes sent from New Zealand by patriotic organisations as gifts to the troops overseas. The board recently decided that all gift cigarettes in future should have the words “Patriotic Issue” overprinted on packets. Evidence Lacking “After every issue of gift cigarettes a crop of complaints arises,”, states the report. “I have asked all officers and welfare officers to try to get definite evidence of sales of these gift cigarettes. “I have followed up some cases very clcsely, but easy as it is to get a copy of the printed slip (inserted in tins by patriotic councils), it is very difficult to sheet home definite evidence of a gift cigarette sale. “I am satisfied that sales of gift j cigarettes do take place. I am equal- j ly satisfied that sales take place without the sanction of anyone in authority. Tobacco in Demand “We have had many discussions about gift cigarettes. Some think the men are well enough supplied and that they are well enough paid to buy their own. My considered opinion is that gift cigarettes and, more especially, gift cigarette tobacco, are much appreciated. Instead of discontinuing it because of its difficulties, we should like to endeavour to make the ! scheme perfect.” | He added a suggestion that printed j slips should be pasted on the out- | side of tins and also gave some advice j on the clear labelling of cases. j