GIFTS PARCELS SCHEME

Southland Times, Issue 17784, 13 July 1916, Page 2

GIFTS PARCELS SCHEME

PROMISING BEGINNING LOCALLY. It is eminently satisfactory to have to chronicle a successful and auspicious launching- of the Gifts Parcels Scheme locally, and those responsible for this undoubted success are deserving of congratulation on having achieved such a splendid result for a most deserving object. The spacious rooms which have been generously allotted to tile zealous and hardworking committee by Messrs llallenstein Bros., were converted into veritable hives of industry yesterday when real business commenced in connection with the scheme. The. rooms have been handily fitted un so that the work may be engaged in with clocklike precision, a minimum of effort, and in the most expeditious manner possible. Already the shelves are well stocked with comforts that will undoubtedly prove a distinct boon to the boys at the front, and it is safe to assume that so far as Southland is concerned there will continue to be donated a plentitude of articles of a similar nature. The packers work on a kind of team system, dominion parcels being made up with articles which may contain any of the following ;—Tin condensed milk, tin of sweets, cocoa au lait, coffee au lait, health salts, cocoa, chewing gum, evaporated apricots, insect powder, (in of soap, iveicon sardines, liquorice, bottle of eucalyptus (in wooden tube ), tablet soap or soap powder, tooth brush, tooth powder or tube of Kolynos, etc., writing paper tablet, pair socks, small tea towel, service bag (Holland, ill x 10in.. rounded corners), shaving or toilet paper, or a Balaclava. Each of the parcels is wrapped in a khaki handkerchief, and the dominion parcel is then completed. The transport parcels each contain a Balaclava, 2 pairs boot laces, small bag of stick cinnamon, cholera belt (wovenl, dish cloth (knitted), eucalyptus, two handkerchiefs, liquorice, mosquito net, ointment, 2 pairs socks,, small bag of sulphur, soap bag and soap, service bags (one large and one small). In addition to the two colonially packed parcels, arrangements have been made whereby parcels of "smokes” can be forwarded from London to any New Zealand soldier at the front. Every 1 contributed for this purpose will provide a parcel containing ilb smoking mixture, T.O cigarettes, and a box of matches, and, if desired, will hear the name and address of the subscriber. The value of the dominion parcel has boon fixed at 2s 6d, and any person contributing that amount is entitled to have his or her name inserted on a card wtiich will bo enclosed in the parcel. Committees, as well as individuals, arc entitled to a similar privilege. Cases in which parcels have he.cn packed have been supplied free of cost by Messrs G. VV. Woods and Co. It may be mentioned that each of the large cases that are sent forward contains 200 pairs sox, 100 No. 1 service hags, 100 No.' 2 service bags, 100 soap bags, 20V handkerchiefs, 100 cholera belts, 200 pairs bootlaces, 100 small bags with cinnamon and liquorice, and 100 tea towels. The cases are forwarded to Dunedin, from where they are finally dispatched by the headquarters committee. Included amongst much appreciated donations that have come to hand are a large consignment of condensed milk from Murrays, Ltd., and about 601bs of honey from Mr W. A. Cox, of Kauana. The honey lias been put up in handysized tins by Murrays Ltd. In order to solve the question of ways and means, many ladies are adopting varied and ingenious devices, amongst which are social functions. These latter arc becoming increasingly popular as a means for raising the wherewithal.

It may be mentioned that there is a fine stock of wool available at the rooms, but the supply of knitters is at a premium. Those wishing to assist in this direction, and they arc badly needed, can obtain supplies of wool by applying at tlie rooms. It is to be hoped that there will be a ready response to this invitation.

Altogether, the scheme has been launched most auspiciously, and there is every reason to say that Southland will do its share in this particular regard as it has done in connection with other branches of patriotic work. The scheme is a, most laudable one, and appeals eloquently for Itself.