PARCELS FOR THE FRONT.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 46, 15 June 1917, Page 4

PARCELS FOR THE FRONT.

The recent statement in reference to the temporary suspension of the “Dominion Gift Scheme” by the Auckland Women’s Patriotic League, and the substitution of a system of momentary grants to units at the front, has occasioned a good deal of surprise in southern circles. Under the Lady Liverpool scheme of soldiers’ parcels, all doubts of the gifts reaching their destination seem to have been dispelled by the hundreds of acknowledgments received at the depots from grateful soldiers in hospital and in the trenches. Havelock during the past year has forwarded its regular quota of twelve parcels per month through the Blenheim centre, and many replies from recipients have provided proof that they have reached our boys at the front. In an interview' with an Auckland “Star” reporter the other day, Mrs H. Gun son, Mayoress of Auckland and President of the Women’s Patriotic League, said that “Auckland had evidently experienced difficulties that have not yet been met with in the Southern centres. The Dominion gift scheme, until the last few months, was most enthusiastically supported in the Auckland province. Lately many reports from officers and men at the front, and from returned soldiers, had shaken the confidence which our people had previously entertained in the scheme, added to which transport and distribution —according to reports —through the exigencies of war, were becoming more and more difficult, with the result that it became apparent that our contributions would largely cease. A meeting of the executive of the Women’s Patriotic League was called last week, and it was decided that, as far as Auckland was concerned, it was impossible for the present to go on with the scheme, and that it must be temporarily suspended.”

Mrs Gunson further stated that all the southern centres had been written to and advised of some of the difficulties. Though Auckland has no desire to render futile the Dominion organisation for these gifts, it is becoming increasingly evident that the transport, difficulties and delays in shipment are discouraging the workers, and (as far as Auckland is concerned), united effort could not continue unless more satisfaction was forthcoming as to the soldiers. The position at present is that Auckland has of necessity had to suspend the scheme temporarily. Mrs Gunson, however, assured the reporter that “if it can be shown to the satisfaction of our people that its renewal is in the interests of our soldiers, and that these gifts, in reasonable numbers, reach them, and are appreciated, then, I am sure, the patriotic workers of this province will readily co-operate again in this scheme with the other centres. With a view to still further ascertaining the position up to the present the officers of the Women’s Patriotic League are cabling direct to the front for the latest information regarding transport and other difficulties. Branch leagues will be communicated with definitely as soon as data are available, and the members of the City League will be notified to attend a meeting to fully consider the position.”