N.Z.-MADE POPPIES

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 995, 11 June 1930, Page 16

N.Z.-MADE POPPIES

EMPLOYING DISABLED SOLDIERS AUCKLAND’S PROPOSAL New Zealand-made in everything. The Auckland Returned Soldiers’ Association is giving its full approval to the suggestion that the poppies sold on Poppy Day should be made by returned men in New Zealand, instead of in England, as at present. Auckland is presenting a remit to thi-s effect at the annual conference at Wellington on June 24, of the returned soldiers’ associations of New Zealand, the secretary, Mr. E. H. Sharp, remarked this morning. An offer had already been received to sell material for the poppies cut to shape. Those advancing the offer had promised to instruct the men in the manufacture of the flowers. Another aspect was that the men, begun on such instruction, would be able to extend their proficiency to making other artificial flowers, Christmas crackers, and carnival decorations. This would mean excellent assistance for returned soldiers who would otherwise find it difficult to enter suitable employment. Mr. Sharp considers that it would be cheaper to make the poppies in Auckland than to import them. A reduction in the outlay would mean greater proceeds from the appeal. For the additional relief in view and for the employment provided partially disabled men, the proposal had much to support it. Auckland took 40,000 poppies a year and the numbers for New Zealand seemed likely to give an avenue of employment.