PARCELS FOR SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2587, 8 October 1915, Page 6

PARCELS FOR SOLDIERS

DIRECTIONS 5 FOR PACKING.

Without requirlag for the present any mode, .of making up parcels for dis- - pitch'' to;' our '■ troops; 'oversea .different trom those now: followed, the-Postmas-ter-General.- thinks it.-;may- be - of.; ad-.yaritage-'to'esehders, in tho Dominion in packing parcels for soldiers to have the ii] formation contained .in . the . following extract from the Board of Trade Journal .(London), of August 5 last: — • In .view of the exceptional, conditions of transit,;.involving several; traushipjments; and .exposure to great, heat, it .is npcessary tliat :parcels"'for the Medi-. terranean Expeditionary Forco should he very carefully packed. The following recommendations- are made as - the -.re-,' ■suit: of .the experience of-, the Army. Post Olhce.— ■

Small parcels are found to arrivo in better'condition than'large parcels. If a Jargo'/ coiisignment' has to bo sent it. is, better to send two or three, small parcels than one largo one- ' rAll parcels, should be as nearly round .as possible, and should'be well padded with■ shavings';'-.crumpled paper, '. .or' similar, protective material.

Tho outer covering .should consist ofstrong linen, calico, or canvas, or other textile-.material,, and should be securely sewn up..

. . As' an. alternative ' parcels may be packed m boxes made, of. strong double .strawboard. It : is undesirable to use wooden and motal boxes with, square corners for tho outer covering, since although Such jioxes usually form an adequate protection to the contents they are liable to damage other parcels in transit. - . •

- Parcels merely .wrapped in paper, or packed m thin cardboard boxes, such as shoe, boxes, cannot bo accepted- ' . No perishable articles may bo sent; and anything likely to'become soft or sticky, such ,as chocolate .and sweets, should be packed in tins. The New Zealand Post Office regulations already- embody some of these recommendations. ■