FOR 600 NEW ZEALANDERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24205, 25 January 1940, Page 12

FOR 600 NEW ZEALANDERS

A PARCEL EACH CHRISTMAS REMEMBRANCES (From Our Own Correspondent) LONDON, Dec. 22. During the last fortnight members of the Committee of the New Zealand Women's Association have been in daily attendance at New Zealand House, receiving knitted comforts for some 600 New Zealand men who are on service or in training in England. The majority are, of course, in the R.A.F., but some are in the Royal Navy, and 150 are in an Army camp being instructed for anti-tank, duty. Mrs Jordan (president of the association) was there each day, and so were several more, while, other members came on alternate days. The time for doing knitting was very short, but members of the association in all parts of the country wished to help so that in ample time for pre-Christmas despatch all the parcels were made up and addressed. . Mrs Freyberg saw that 200 pairs of mittens arrived in time. They were made by women auxiliary war workers at A.R.P. centres. The girl secretaries in the High Commissioner's office made many scarves during their black-out train journeys home. It was possible for them to undertake straightforward work in the dark, whereas helmets, socks, gloves, and mittens necessitated the accompaniment of light. All the garments were made in the regulation service colours of navy, grey-blue, and khaki. Each man has already received a neat box, carefully secured, containing some article made of wool, as well as a slab of chocolate and a box of cigarettes. In each parcel, too, was a card of greeting bearing the" New Zealand flag and conveying the good wishes of the New Zealand Women's Association and the New Zealand Men's Society. Each of these organisations contributed £3O to the fund, while New Zealanders living in England sent gifts of money, ranging from £lO to Is. To Mrs Hal Williams was assigned the duty of addressing all the parcels. They were sent off in good time so as to reach the men, a number of whom were granted Christmas leave. Others are having respite at the New Year. The committee of the New Zealand Women's Association is very grateful to the staff of New Zealand House for giving all the help and information needed by the workers.