AIR FORCE RELATIONS

Southland Times, Issue 25680, 24 May 1945, Page 6

AIR FORCE RELATIONS

Southland Women Praised

The Dominion president of Air Force Relations, Mrs L. M. Isitt, and the secretary, Miss E. Constance Morice, Wellington, were the guests of the Air Force Relations Committee at a function in H. & J. Smith’s teardoms yesterday afternoon. There were present also many of those who have knitted consistently for Air Force personnel during the past five years.

In paying, a tribute to the splendid work accomplished by the committee and by the many groups of knitters throughout the province, Miss Morice, stated that she had been asked to convey to them all a special vote of thanks from the National Patriotic Fund Board for the wonderful results they had achieved. The work sent forward had been of excellent quality. They had been very glad to act upon the suggestion made by the National Patriotic Fund Board that they should come down and tell them all about the many activities of Air Force Relations. It was impossible to say definitely what would be the requirements for the future, but one thing was certain, and that was that knitting must continue. There were still thousands of airmen in England and in Europe, and they would be there next winter, many of them under canvas. Many also would be on service on the China stations. Air Force Relations had been asked to assist other* patriotic societies, too, and particularly the Lady Galway Guild and the Navy. Garments were wanted for the Lady Galway Guild to send forward to England, and gloves, socks and pullovers were urgently required now for both the Air Force and Navy. * TINNED GOODS DISPATCHED Every month from Wellington nine cases of tinned goods were forwarded to the New Zealand War Services Association in London. Condensed milk, cakes and honey were also sent, and these were distributed by official visitors to airmen in hospitals. A brief outline of the work done at headquarters was given by Miss Morice, and she stated that in conjunction with the R.S.A. visits were paid to next of kin and air personnel in hospitals in Wellington. Altogether 250,000 woollen comforts had been sent overseas by Air Force Relations. “What mothers want to know” was the title of an interesting and informative address given by Mrs Isitt, and she spoke of the many endeavours made by Air Force Relations to make life as comfortable, happy and healthy as possible in the difficult conditions under which many airmen work in the tropical islands of the Pacific. Variety in food was aimed at, and every week quantities of suitable foods were forwarded. Meals were served cafetaria style, which ensured quicker service. Recreation facilities were now more adequate, and the Tui Hut supplied by the National Patriotic Board was an ideal rest house for the servicemen. Every precaution was taken against malaria, and men now were able with the aid of washing machines to attend to their own washing, which prevented the occurrence of many minor skin troubles which at one time had been very prevalent. Mails , were received twice a week on the average.

Mrs Isitt also remarked on the wonderful hospitality shown airmen in England, Australia and Canada. When on leave in London every effort was made to attend to their comfort, and emergency denists and doctors were always on hand to attend to airmen at any time. Their entertainment and business, if required, were attended to by efficient clubs and hostesses.

Mrs Isitt and Miss Morice were introduced and welcomed by the president of Air Force Relations, Mrs W. D. Palmer, and they were thanked for their addresses by Miss Phyllis Taylor, secretary.