HONEY SENT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 167, 17 July 1942, Page 6

HONEY SENT

NAVY LEAGUE GIFTS

YEAR OF GREAT ACTIVITY

The dispatch of honey to Britain for the crews of minesweepers and trawlers was among the many activities of the Auckland branch of the Navv League during the year ended December 31, 1941, according to the annual report. Through the kindness of Miss Holland, former principal of Woodford House School, a total of 26801b was dispatched during the year and shipments are expected to go forward. Appreciation of this gift was expressed in a letter received from Sir Sydney Freemantle, chairman of the Navy League in London. The report quotes his remarks:— "Once again we have the pleasure of acknowledging receipt of a shipment of honey— 15 cases. It really is wonderfully generous of all concerned. The honey is keenly looked forward to by the men, and if you could see the pleasure expressed on its arrival you would obtain full reward for your kind thoughts and the labour sending \t entails." Stating that comforts, reading matter and other amenities have been supplied to mien of the ships on the Auckland station and also of the naval shore posts, the report urges officers of ships and posts to make the requirements of their personnel known to the secretary. Full supplies may then be delivered. Entertainment and hospitality to personnel of visiting warships has played a lajge part in the league's work, continues the report. Dances have been given and scenic bus drives arranged by the Naval and Merchant Navy Patriotic Sub-com-mittee of the Auckland Metropolitan Patriotic Committee.

Much of the practical work undertaken during the year has fallen on the ladies' committee, with splendid results, continues the report. Knitted comforts of all kinds have been made and fleece wool has been donated by sympathetic farmers, thus enabling the spinning committee to produce full supplies of seaboot stockings entirely free of cost.

Every man of the navy and of the Fleet Air Arm leaving this district has been supplied with a pillow bag containing a full range of woollen comforts. In collaboration with the Metropolitan Patriotic Committee, parcels have been sent regularly to New Zealand Navy men overseas.

Some idea of the magnitude of the work is shown by the following list of articles supplied, totalling nearly 25.000:—Scarves. 1285; hussifs, 1814; gloves (pairs), 1137; seaboot stockings (pairs), 787; socks (pairs), 5809; balaclavas, 1316; pullovers. 1168; bags, 1150; handkerchiefs, 8835; sundry garments (men. women's and children's), 1647; total 24.948.

The Devonport sub-branch has carried out its work under difficulties, due to lack of suitable premises. However, comforts have been sent abroad, and sick naval men visited.

The membership of the league has increased by 305, making a total of 1632. There has also been an increase in the membership of the girls' branch.