N.Z. GIFT GARMENTS SOLD OVERSEAS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 276, 22 November 1945, Page 6

N.Z. GIFT GARMENTS SOLD OVERSEAS

CONCERN GIVES RISE TO ENQUIRIES Auckland, Nov. 19. Concern was aroused among Dunedin women patriotic workers recently by a letter from a woman in the Channel Islands who expressed her thanks for a child's pullover, knitted by one of the workers, whose address was attached, which she had purchased from her local Red Cross committee. The Dunedin women concernedmembers of the Business and Professional Women’s Club—replied asking why the pulloxer had been paid for, as they had given their services so that the people in distressed areas should receive the garments free. They were told that when the good- - arrived there were no accompanying instructions, so the island committee decided to make a charge—7s 6d for a skirt and 5s for a pullover. “Presumably the Red Cross acted as distributing agent as we have never given clothing directly to it,” said the club in a statement. “Wr wonder it this has been the fate of most of ou; ‘gifts’ and if, through an oversight, the address was not removed from this small garment.” REQUEST TO LONDON. It has been explained that ti>e oilier of the High Commissioner in London has relied on the Women’s Voluntary Services to undertake the distribution of parcels donated for the relief o r distress and the Voluntary Services, in turn, have enlisted the good offices of the Red Cross organisation. A request that, the matter be investigated, has been made by the commissioner’s office by the Otago Provincial Council. “Any clothing sent, from Auckland has been shipped on the understanding that it will be completely free to those in need of it and I have heard no suggestion that the gifts have had lo be paid for,” said the Mayor, Mr. J. A. C. Allum. “We have received acknowledgment of the arrival of goods from time to limp from the distributing agents, but the individual identities of the people benefiting are not. known.”