SOLDIERS' SANDBAGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16150, 11 February 1916, Page 9

SOLDIERS' SANDBAGS.

WHAT AUCKLAND IS DOING.

40,000 IN THREE MONTHS.

MORE WORKERS NEEDED.

The -work of preparing sandbags for the use of New Zealand soldiers on active service, which was undertaken ■voluntarily in October last by a number of Auckland residents, is still proceeding apace. During a period of three months, some 40,000 bags have been cut to the required dimensions, cleaned, sewn with twine, packed into bundles, and pressed into bales.

It is felt, however, that if the average of 13,000 finished bags per month is to be maintained, not only will the ranks of those engaged in the work need to be supplemented, but a constant and steady stream of bags will have to be assured, from fanners. At present there are only 50 people assisting in the finishing stage of the work. Of these several have been engaged for six or seven, hours daily since the inception of tho movement. The committee is therefore appealing for further voluntary helpers. The Defence Department has intimated its willingness to accept all bags prepared, pointing out that the need for them will be an ever-recur-ring one during tho period of the war.

Until recently ample supplies of bags were forwarded weekly by farmers, but the time is now opportune for a further effort in this direction. The New Zealand Dairy Association and the Auckland Farmers' Union will shortly circularise farmers with a view to having the necessary bags saved and collected. Others desirous of assisting may do so by sending small cash donations sufficient to defray the cost of twine-.

The work is at present being carried on in fwo rooms adjoining Coburg Street, lent by the Workingmeirs Club and the Y.M.C.A. respectively. All necessary cartage is being done free of charge by local carrying firms. Besides the central brigade, others have been formed with a similar object at a number 6T suburban and country centres.