PARCELS OR MONEY?

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16560, 8 June 1917, Page 4

PARCELS OR MONEY?

DECISION IN AUCKLAND.

CRITICISM BY OTAGO LEAGUE. [bt telegraph.—own correspondent.]

DUNEDIN. Thursday. Much surprise was created among members of the Otago Women's Patriotic Association by the decision of the executive of the Auckland Women's Patriotic League to relinquish the Dominion gift scheme in favour of monetary grants for expenditure by officers commanding Auckland units in the field. The local association does not intend to follow the example of the Northern league.

Patriotic workers in Dunedin consider that as the Dominion gift scheme was adopted at a conference of delegates from each of the four centres, the question should have been referred to a Dominion conference. The allegation that the parcels have not gone to the men needing them most is not credited in Otago. Hundreds of people have received grateful letters acknowledging receipt of gifts. The first lot of Dominion parcels arrived to France at the end of September, ldl6, or the beginning of October, and information in desired whether the officers who have reported adversely on the parcels scheme, left France or Egypt before that time, and if they are in a position to speak with authority on the matter.

The suggestion that monetary grants should be made for expenditure by officers does not meet with any favour from the Otago Association. Local members asked whether soldiers would be able to buy the little luxuries contained in the Dominion parcels, even if they received money. For instance, sugar cannot be purchased at Home or in France, except at a high price, and to meet the desire for sweets, jam is always included in the parcels. The Otago Association has never had the least difficulty in getting its parcels transported to the front. The sentimental aspect of the gift parcels- is also emphasised. Yesterday Miss Burt, secretary of the Otago Association, sent a telegram to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, stating: " Our executive considers a conference necessary before any Dominion centre could take action in this manner. Can you supply dates when the officers who gave the information to you left Fiance?" In the afternoon, Mise Burt received a reply from the Christchurch Association, upholding the Otago Association's view of the case.