LADY LIVERPOOL TRENCH COMFORTS FUND.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12083, 11 August 1917, Page 4

LADY LIVERPOOL TRENCH COMFORTS FUND.

DEPOT NOTES. (Contributed.) The storage capacity of the depot' has he en very much taxed during the last few weeks, owing, of course, to the extra large quantity of Christmas goods and cases in pome state oi packing process. the enormous work involved in the despatch of parcels cannot be realised, except by those closely connected with tho work. Stock has to be selected, bought and sorted, the hard-to-be-got cases must bo collected and filled, but in between tho arrival of the essentials at. the depot, and the shipments there i,s much detail work that only cheerful hearts and deft bonds can possibly accomplish in the rush of time. It would be difficult indeed to sufficiently acknowledge the valuable assistance of the bands of workers who havo come back night after night to ensure tho parcels being ready, and in this way they have in no small degree minimised the difficulty connected with the pressure of extra work. One large consignment of Christmas goods is away, and the next one we hope to soon have under way. Creditable as is the work of the women in this particular duty, it would be of little use had wo not a staff of men on whom depends the accuracy of packing, strapping and getting the heavy cases ready for delivery. Tho Canterbury military area is a large one, and it is the privilege of this branch to supply a full quota each month of parcels for the men on active cervice. Tlie contents of the Dominion parcels, under ordinary circumstances, would be voted as just every-day diet by the average New Zealand boy, but in the trenches, where war rations are dealt out even generously, these lit 110 handkerchief bundles are hailed-with delight and tho New Zealand boy yells " Kapai" when ho unties the packet and beholds the wares familiar to tho pantry shelf at home, but veritable delicacies on distant shores. The troopships aro not to be overlooked, and in duo time tho troops that may be on the seas at Christmas must be remembered. This is just by way of a, slight intimation that' our appeal for the soldier boys is almost a perpetual one, at any rate as long as the lads aro away from their own New Zealand. Books and magazines are always acceptable, but the troops—and depot—prefer thorn whole and wholesome. Tiie balaclavas this week have increased slightly, but, like the socks, Uio need is ever with us. There is 110 doubt a. s to the great comfort tho balaclava is to tho soldier, and many a weary head on the battlefield finds comfort iii tho woollen cap—so again may tho knitters be reminded of the necessity to keep the needles busy. Violets and spring flowers havo brightened up the sombr e precinct® of the depot very often lately, and by tho sales have added considerably to tho funds. To pretty gardens on the Cashmere Hills we are indebted for tho pleasing contributions. The .Pierrot Pom-Pom concert, under the supervision of Mrs H. 11. Smith, made their debut at Darfiekl this week, and had a most successful entertainment, which, with the " surprise packet " effort' of the district, has added over £4O to the funds. The Norma] Cookery Centre, through -Miss Blackmore. made and sent in from Standards V. and VI. tins of delicious tbffee. Tho schools again this week have sent in most admirable contributions. It would bo almost impossible now to find any school that has not mado some effort for the soldiers. Sfc Michael's Day School deserves special mention for tho donation of £56 14s 3d sent in for vho parcels this week. Tho people of Runanga (West Coast) forwarded a cheque through the. Grevmouth Patriotic Association for £33. This is all the more commendable when we know how generously th e miners and people in that district have supported the funds for t'he local soldiers serving at the front. From the Combined Picture Theatres' Association, per Mr Hervev. tho committee received a sum of £ll 19s od in connection with the screening of tho film, "Battle of the, Ancre." This also is a generous contribution, and is an instance of the patriotic spirit of those who may have justifiably deducted the expenses connected with the showing of the film. Rangiora has sent in £IOO, and branches from Ivaikoura, Ki'llinchy, Kaiapoi and the Girls' High School havo also sent in generous contributions.