SOLDIERS' PARCELS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24735, 11 October 1941, Page 15

SOLDIERS' PARCELS

TO' THE EDITOR . Sir,—A group of citizens have for 16 months been sending monthly parcels to soldiers from this districtsome whose homes are here, and others who have worked here. We have evidence to show that every parcel posted was received by the soldiers, some of whom have been throiigh Greece and Crete, and in one case a parcel followed one soldier from England. The last of which we have had confirmation were received'about the beginning of August. This is a. very fine-effort, and we appreciate the efforts, of-lh« postal officials who have made it possible. There is, however,-another, side to the picture; which, I think, your readers. should know. , During -16 months of overseas service; one soldier has received one parcel, from the New Zealand Patriotic Association; the other soldiers had up to August 7 hot had 1 any parcel from that source. I think it is time we woke up to the'fact that something should.be done to ensure that each soldier receives a parcel at least once a month.-. To do. so I would suggest that each district; and town be., zoned, as is being done for donations for certain, war efforts, and each zone be given the names of the soldiers, sailors. - and airmen belonging to it. If this were done. I khpw the residents\ would do what- is required in the way" of sending comforts and parcels of food. It is time this patriotic, parcel farce ended. I have no doubt the soldiers may be getting some of the contents of the parcels by paying for them at the canteens. Soldiers are writing home and asking that jam ,be included in their parcels, as it costs so much at the canteen. Why should they need to buy what should,-be part of their menu? If it can be shipped for sale out of the canteen it should be shipped for the soldiers’ use. Why, too, should soldiers have to pay postage on their letters ■ home? They did not have to do so in the 1914-1918 war. It is distressing to read their letters home, in which they thank their loved ones here for the stamps sent to them, as their money does not go far. What a contrast It is that these boys, who a few short years ago were told to. spend their way to prosperity, have scarcely enough money to buy stamps, because they have to use their allowance to buy such things as jam. and if they have a chance of getting leave they cannot go to see places of interest for lack of funds! —I am, etc., Oamaru, October 9. P. J.