PARCELS FOR SOLDIERS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 145084, 8 September 1916, Page 2

PARCELS FOR SOLDIERS.

THE WAY THEY SHOULD BE WRAPPED. Christmas id coming and every other, person in xlis Dominion will bs sending something to the boys in tbe trenches' or ill the English hospitals _ to remind them of their own country and tho loving hearts that are concerned for their welfare. That being the . case, it behoves everyone to know that" as much as 12 ounces in weight may be sent to soldiers in France, England, or elsewhere in the war. zone, for°3d, .whilst weight oyer and above the 12 ounces is' charged for - proportionately, That gives a. sound general ‘raide as to tiro cost of sending goods abroad to those on military duty. Whai, however, is of infinitely more importance is the manner in which the goods are packed. Almost everyone knows what. happened in Egypt. Oakes, fruit, preserves, sweets, and other perishable products by the ton armed in > such a condition that no attempt could t be made at d.iatrib.ution,_ owing to the inadequacy of, the packing. - Ami so the generous thought and, action ot many good-natured people in New Zealand went for naught. Experienpe haa taught tho postal authorities that goods must ho wrapped in' a reasonably secure manner in order to ensure their delivery, and as many people as attend at the Parcels Post Office and succeed in doing their business there and then are sent away to re-parcol their goods. Many good-hearted mothers, sisters, wives,‘etc., take a delight in sending samples of their cookery abroad—even, unto France. These goodies should be well packed in an air-tight tin, or strong box, but the air-tight tin, is preferable—the soklercd-up one being tho best. . , Equal oare has to be taken , mwi clothing, tobacco, cigarettes, comforts, etc., to ensure delivery. These must now be protected and wrapped up in scrim, canvas, or hoiland, and the cdo-es sewn down, and tho addresses should be written boldly either m ink or ink pencil on tho canvas or calico, or it may he done by sewing a square ot calico on to the scrim or canvas, or attaching a strong linen label. As must be expected in war-time, mails may have to bo handled pretty roughly bn occasions, "and the public would be helping the postal authorities here and in France, as well os benefiting the kids at the front,, by making their packages as strong as possible.