Books For The Forces

Northern Advocate, 17 December 1942, Page 7

Books For The Forces

It is estimated that the recent appeal for reading matter for the forces conducted in the four main cities, and also in a number of provincial centres, by the War Library Service of the National Patriotic Fund Board, will produce approximately r 60,000 books and 90,000 periodicals after the sorting process has been completed. r As far as the sorting has progressed, it l would appear that the quality and quan- , tity of the contributions are better as a ' whole than those made to the previous ’ appeal. The fact that old and useless ■ books and magazines were not wanted was . well emphasised, but even so a fair amount of quite unsuitable material was ' given. However, the general response was l good and some splendid books, particularly of the fiction type, were given. The ' collection will assist materially in augmenting stocks on which there has been a very heavy drain this year. The board’s War Library Service caters for the soldiers, sailors and airmen, and not only those in New Zealand but also those overseas whenever there is the opportunity of sending fresh stocks to them. Just how much the men of the Second N.Z.E.F. in the Middle East value the books and the importance attached to the library service by the Patriotic Beard Commissioner (Lieutenant-Colonel F. Waite) are indicated in a report the board received from him a few days ago. Becks for Leisure Time “To many men,” says Colonel Waite, “books and reading material are more important than other comforts.” He explains that many men, fit and convalescent, especially farmers, civil servants and teachers, want to keep in touch with New Zealand affairs, and in this connection he has asked for copies of certain publications relating to the Dominion. He also refers to the necessity of great armies of fit men having something with which to occupy their min.ds during their leisure time and to the part which books are able to play in this connection, the gathering of men together in groups to play games often being out of the question and too dangerous because, of air activity. Reviewing activities generally, Colonel Waite mentions the libraries that have been established at the New Zealand Forces Club in Cairo, at the central Y.M.C.A. at Maadi, and at the Lowry Hut. and also the system that has been introduced of providing cases of books for units in the field. He describes the library at the New Zealand Club as a very good one. and says that the reference books from New Zealand are availed of extensively by men studying for examinations in the air force. “And.” he adds, “many have passed as a result of studying our books. I think we can say that we have as good a working and lending library as any institution in Cairo. In conjunction with the club library we run a reading room, which is crowded all day. Men do want to see their local paper. Most of them are very old before we get them, but they are always read.” Colonel Waite makes it plain that plenty of daily papers and ample supplies of New Zealand weekly and monthly journals arrive. He has asked for “Dictionary of National Biography” (Dr. Scholefield’s Centennial book), three sets of the four volumes of the official history of the 1914-18 war (particularly the Palestine and Gallipoli volumes are wanted), “The Maori.” two volumes, bv Elsdon Best, "The Maori Wars,” two volumes, by James Cowan, and two or three copies of the New Zealand Year Book. Gifts of any of these volumes would be appreciated by the board. Time for Ccrnb Out Although stating that he appreciates (hat there is a world shortage ol' books and magazines. Colonel Waite says that lie is also convinced of the willingness of booklovers to give up some of their books for the men overseas. “I believe,” he continues, “that in mv own home I could cull a bit harder and make up a kerosene box full of good novels that ail the family has read, but for which we have some "slight sentimental regard. The time lias come when those books should be ruthlessly combed out. sent over here, and placed in the hands of the boys who are craving for something to read. The world shortage is seriously affecting the Middle East." Colonel Waite also makes the suggestion of enclosing in gift parcels, wherever possible, a small book, magazine or illustrated paper.