PARCELS APPRECIATED.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 47, 19 June 1917, Page 5

PARCELS APPRECIATED.

At the invitation of the Mayoress Colonel Samuels (who recently returned from Egypt) visited the Town Hall, Wellington, the other day (reports the “Times”), and talked to some members of the Liverpool, fund committee about the sending of gift parcels to the soldiers. Colonel Samuels spoke of his men as simply ' wonderful. They never complain and are cheerful under the most trying circumstances. There are about 2000 New Zealanders in Egypt at present, and Colonel Samuels said they all looked forward to the receipt of gift parcels and thoroughly appreciated them, in fact, when the parcels arrived the men lined up and gave three cheers for the ladies. In Egypt especially these parcels were appreciated, for it was becoming increasingly difficult. to obtain things. Tobacco and cigarettes, for instance, used to be chiefly made in Armenia, and these were of course unobtainable now, so their inclusion in the parcels was' strongly advocated by Colonel Samuels. The ladies enumerated what was placed in the parcels, and asked the colonel’s advice as to the usefulness of these .articles. All foodstuffs, ho said,were most acceptable. Thick socks were not required for Egypt, and the thinner kind were obtainable from the military stores. ' The anti-vermin shirts also he did not think were required. Slither on account of the dry climate or because they were frequently near the sea the men wore not attacked by this, scouge, and towels also were not necessary to send, as they could be easily obtained. He advocated’sending handkerchiefs, tobacco and cigarettes and all kinds of foodstuffs, especially tinned fruit, cakes, and milk. Other useful things would be potted meat, meat extract, cheese and some tinned tongues would be very acceptable, as also would soap, the variety obtainable being of a very inferior quality. The ladies were very glad to hear Colonel Samuels’ views on the parcels, as ho had so recently been at the front, that he was able to speak with authority. Mrs Luke warmly thanked him for sparing time to come and discuss the matter with members of the committee.