MOBILE CANTEEN

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 178, 30 July 1942, Page 6

MOBILE CANTEEN

PATRIOTIC GIFT

RODNEY DISTRICT CEREMONY

High appreciation of patriotic work and effort by residents of the Rodney district was expressed this morning by the chairman of the Auckland Provincial Patriotic Council, Mr. J. A. C. Allum. when, accompanied by the secretary of the council. Mr. K. Usmar. he visited that area to perform the ceremony of officially handing over a mobile canteen to the Rodney patriotic executive.

The visitors were welcomed bv the deputy-chairman of the Rodney Patriotic Zone. Mr. J. P. Smytheman, who said the gift would be much appreciated.

Mr. Allum said the district had raised money for patriotic work, had assisted in many ways, <and the local authority had been verv helpful. The patriotic work had greatly increased. There had been a difficulty in catering for isolated areas, but mobile canteens would assist to meet the position.

Two more mobile canteens were to be provided, and used in other districts in the north. It was proposed to distribute free hot drinks to troops, and other things would be sold at reasonable prices. Recently the council had distributed a large number of comforts to the forces. He asked the Rodney executive to accept the canteen and make H? e s 2 m i e S°°d j°b of the work as they had made of other things. Immediately after the handingover ceremony the mobile canteen went into action, and the first cup r^u a was handed to Mr. Allum The canteen is fitted with electric lighting from a battery set, and has all the equipment which will be needed. It can be towed as a caravan, and taken from place to place when necessary. * The canteen was inspected by Brigadier G. Dittmer, D.5.0.. M.B E M.C who said that it would be of great use. He expressed keen appreciation of the patriotic work being done in providing parcels and facilities for the men. and eulogised the work of various organisations which were assisting. Before leaving the district Mr. Allum inspected a site for a patriotic hut, which will be fitted up as a recreational centre. The Auckland Provincial Patriotic Council has provided part of the cost and has been assisted by local effort. The site for the building was a donation by the local authoritv.