PATRIOTIC SEALS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 10 January 1940, Page 9

PATRIOTIC SEALS

COMFORTS FOR FORCES [United Press Association] WELLINGTON, 9th January. The first batch of approximately 50.000 replies to the National Patriotic Fund Board’s seal campaign to raise funds for comforts for the armed forces and mercantile marine was tackled this morning by a staff of eight. These replies have come from individuals and business firms in many parts of the Dominion in reply to the board’s postal appeal. The task for those who have undertaken the work in hand is a long one, for not only does it involve opening the letters, but also the sorting of them and the necessary checking work. Those who make a start with the work to-day will not necessarily see the whole work through. The services of others are also available, and not only will the replies be dealt with during the daytime, but also after office hours at night. Even so, there are probably six weeks or two months of work ahead. Of the replies that have been dealt with up to the present time, some oeople have returned the seals sent to them through the post, but they are not many. Most of those who have teceived seals apparently were seized with the need for the provision of comforts for the forces and also with the desire to play their part in recognition of the service those who have enlisted are rendering their country and the Empire. Evidence of this is afforded by the fact that the average amount enclosed is more than 2s 6d. That was the value of the seals sent to householders; to business firms seals valued at 10s a set were sent. One bundle of 200 replies which had just been completed at lunch-time yielded £4O, which gives an average of 4s for each letter, including those in which no monetary contribution was made.

Although the response to the appeal :n the week immediately preceding Christmas was particularly gratifying, and some 16,000 more replies were posted during the holiday period, there are still many who have not yet forwarded their remittances. It is hoped that the appeal will result in at least 100,000 replies being received. Substantial funds are required if the board is to provide adequately and fittingly for the welfore of New Zealand’s forces. Splendid work was done on behalf of the First Echelori, but the work is of a continuing nature; there are others coming forward for whom the board, with the support of the public, will be providing. Every shilling therefore helps, and it is for the reasons outlined that business firms and householders are asked to assist to their utmost and without delay.