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Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 122, 26 May 1942, Page 3

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COMPORTS FOR MEN

WINTER CONDITIONS

That something should be done without delay to furnish more comforts and entertainment for the thousands of young men at the smaller camps and battle stations throughout the province, was urged at last night's meeting of the Auckland Provincial Patriotic Council.

A letter from the Auckland Metropolitan Executive recommended that parcels should regularly be packed and forwarded to these men.

Dieutenant-Colonel T. H. Dawson, who waited on the council, said it was very strongly felt that something in the way of soup or coffee should be provided in the evenings—even lamb and green peas should be within their financial resources. Question of Money The sending of parcels to prisoners of war overseas was already costing the funds about £6000 a week, said Mr. J. A. C. Allum, and here in Auckland we could expect a large increase in the number of men in uniform. He did not think their existing provincial funds would stand the extra strain. Travelling canteens, which could embody also a small motion picture unit, were suggested by another member. We started away with up-to-date camps, said Mr. H. D. Caro, of Hamilton, but to the young men out on commando services these were things of the past. He thought the provincial council should do something quickly. The secretary, Mr. K. L. Usmar, said already they had provided five mobile canteens and 14 bolted huts. They also had 22 000 balaclava scarfs and mittens ready for distribution. Mr. Allum again stressed the impossibility of meeting the new demands from existing provincial funds, and it was finally decided that Messrs. Allum and Usmar should make representations to the National Patriotic Fund Board.