GIFTS FOR TROOPS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23595, 2 March 1940, Page 13

GIFTS FOR TROOPS

AUCKLAND COLLECTION "RAIDING" TEAMS CHOSEN SUPPORT . FOR PATRIOTIC WORK ftix "raiding'' committees whose duty it will he to collect the various items required for Auckland's quota of parcels to be sent to troops of the first echelon wore set up at a meeting of the Auckland Metropolitan Patriotic Committee yesterday. The chairman, 31r. J. A. C. Allnin, said all the goods ■were required by March 16 as packing "would start immediately afterward. The Auckland metropolitan zone is required to provide 1345 parcels. Mr. Allum said it was necessary to collect the goods quickly and he believed the appeal would meet with a good response. In reply to a question raised by Lady Davis, who said it was almost impossible to obtain handkerchiefs, Mr. Allum undertook to find out from the warehouses what could be done to secure sufficient for the parcels. Mr. A. St. C. Brown considered that while the raiding committee scheme had much to commend it, the best way of getting the goods was for the community to donate money for the requirements.

Acceptable Items The inclusion in the parcels of darning materials and as large a number of cigardttes as possible was urged by returned soldiers on the committee, who stressed that theso were among tho most acceptable gifts in the last war. it was decided that goods should be sen t to the headquarters of the women's activities committee at Yorkshire House, whore the committee will undertake the wrapping. On the suggestion of the Mayor of Mount Eden, 31 r. .R. .J. Mills, it was agreed that goods should also be accepted at the rooms of ladies' committees in the suburbs.

The captains of the raiding teams were appointed as follows: —Condensed milk, Mr. J. B. Johnston; handkerchiefs, Lad}- Davis; cigarettes and tobacco, Mr. P. Muir; sweets, the Hon. E. R. Davis, M.L.C.; tinned fruit, Mr. F. A. Hellaby; writing pads and bootlaces, Mr. W. H. Nagle. The method of operation will be left to the committees. Increasing Support Stating that help was increasing and criticism diminishing. Mr. Allum said lie had not made one request on behalf of the patriotic movement which had j\ot been quickly met. There were hundreds of workers eager to help. There had been difficulties over supplies of wool, but arrangements had been made for regular weekly consignments.' As evidence of the interest of all classes in the work. Mr. Allum said a listener to the weekly community singing had forwarded £l, while a pensioner had sent 10s. Splendid help was being received for the entertainments at the camps, while the sports committee was also doing good work.

NO ARMY ISSUE PHYSICAL TRAINING PROPER UNIFORM URGED HANDICAPS OF THE MEN There has been no issue to the soldiers of the Second Expeditionary Force of shorts and canvas shoes which should be the uniform for physical training. Unless properly attired no one can have the necessary freedom' of movement and hence can derive only a fraction of the possible benefit. In the British Army "gym. gear" is issue kit. The shorts are cut to fit and a squad so dressed looks very smart indeed.

Although the cost probably would not exceed six shillings a man the Government has not undertaken the responsibility of providing the articles. The question was raised in Auckland patriotic circles months ago, but nothing was done, presumably on account of lack of funds.

Hampering Conditions Thus physical training in both camps has been carried out under very hampering conditions for the most part. Some men have taken their own canvas shoes to camp, some have fyoth shorts and shoes, but a big proportion have "clumped" through their exercises, which include a good deal of the lively romping sort, in their heavy marching boots and long trousers. Here and there a man goes barefooted or in socks, but at Hopuhopu it is dangerous not to be shod because of old razor blades in the turf, dropped in past years. A Matter ol Urgency Men particularly interested in army physical training describe the sight of an' improperly dressed squad as Whether the city has sufficient stocks of shoes and of shorts or of the material to make them is now a question. If not it has been privately suggested that an appeal could be made to the nublic to make gdts of them from the familv wardrobe. In the circumstances the soldiers no doubt would gladly accept garments and shoes partly worn. Whatever course is adopted it is a matter of urgency that this gear, which is not included m the athletic equipment the patriotic committee is ordering, should be provided.

ASSISTANCE FROM MAORIS £SOO RAISED FOR RED CROSS ['BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] HAMILTON, Friday 1 Keen to do their utmost to assist in the national war effort aikato Maoris •,re unostentatiously performing patriotic tasks which rival the best efforts of pakeha organisations. Tinder the guidance of Princess 'J e Puea Hcrangi of Ngaruawahia, nearly £SOO has been collected for the funds of the Red Cross Society and large quantities of kumaras and potatoes will shortly be presented to the military camp at Hopuhopu and to the headquarters of the Maori Battalion at Palnierston North. "Our people are very keen to help in the war effort," stated Princess To Puea to-dav. "To help the funds of the Red Cross 10 sub-committees were appointed to conduct raffles, dances and every other method of raising funds. Old and young have joined in the task, doing their very best to make it as successful as possible.