EXTRA COMFORTS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2840, 3 August 1916, Page 6

EXTRA COMFORTS

IfOR NEW ZEALAND. SOLDIERS ABROAD. Tho Advisory Board of tho Federated Patriotic Socioties of Now Zealand has received in roply to a request for information 011 the subject, tho following letter from flic Minister of Internal Affairs (Hon. G. ,W. Russell), in reforonco to what are considered to be suitable articles for sending to our soldiers abroad "Referring to previous correspondence respecting the most suitable class of articlc3 required for New Zealand soldiers abroad, I have tho honour to inform you that as regards our wounded and siclc in hospitals in England the principal demand is for .blanket;, hospital suits, pyjamas, shirts, and tinned goods (milk, jam meat extracts). With regard to suitable goods for men wounded in tho Mesopotamia campaign, His Excellency the Viceroy of India has asked for milk 1 and meat extract, with a preference for milk. For other comforts, that is, other than hospital cimforts, it would seem best to send the money to England, wliero much more in the shape of tobacco, sweets, chocolates, etc., can be purchased than in New Zealand— (Sgd.) G. W. Russsell." Referring to the above matter, various members at yesterday's meeting of tho board pointed out that several of the articles mentioned, such as blankets and pyjamas, could not bo considered "extra comforts." The chairman (the Hon. J. T. Paul) said it was true that the matters mentioned in tho paragraph were Jiot "extra comforts" as they had settled in an understanding ivrith the Minister of Defence. v Mr. Tripp: "No, that is Red Cross work, pure and simple." The chairman said that tho letter was from the Hon. Mr. Russell, whereas the understanding the patriotic societies arrived at as to what wero extra comforts was with the Minister of Defence. Mr. Russell has sent the letter 011, not knowing tho understanding they had with tho Minister of Defence. It was decided that the matter be referred back to the Minister of Internal Affairs. .