QUESTION OF GIFT PARCELS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2868, 5 September 1916, Page 8

QUESTION OF GIFT PARCELS

ONK LUCKY MAN. In connection with an extract taken from a. lotter which appeared ill the Auckland "jicrald," and was quoted in yesterday's iJo.Mi.siUN, and which purported to be from a soldier at the front, the writer refers to tho fact that a friend was sending him a parcel, and.lie wished she would not, as the chances of Ids getting such things was small; Ho also went on to say in regard to tho parcels which were being' sent, from New Zealand ..every month, "Fancy a man receiving a puir ' (f socks, balaclavas, muffler, ;iii<J liauukerchief every month. It will neon a repetition of last timo—tho handkerchiefs used for rifle rags, aiid the other stuff worn till dirty and then thrown away. One chap had twelve pairs of socks. He could not carry them, so ten pairs had to go." Commenting upon the letter at tho annual meeting of tho Women's Vatriotio.Leaguo in Ajuckland, the secretary, Miss. Spedding, 'said that such a case must havo been exceptional, as tho gifts wore varied ever ymonth, and many letters had beon received from soldier's expressing/entire satisfaction. Indignant comment has also been made in.regard to tho matter by some workers at the Town Hall (Vellirigton);.who had) ihadrmany letters frcm soldiers at the front'saying.now very glad they have heen to get these parcels, and. how greatly they havo appreciated the fact that the women of New Zealand are working for their wiufort. The personal factor about tb'ese gifts was emphasised over and over again, and .Colonel Bsson, who had been in Egypt, at a recent lecture given in ■Wellington, also, emphasised this fact and urged his hearers not on any account'to lot tlsp parcels drop. "That young man who had to many socks • and, handkerchiefs that he had to throw them away must nave been a very selfish and thoughtless oreature," was one remark that was made. "He could easily have found others who ware not jso fortunate as himself. "What else did we 'begin work for hut to supply tae men who sre fighting for us witty extras in the way of comforts, and if we do not mind tb.6 work why should anyone else?" It'was also ; added' by one of the speakers that since the Gallipoli campaign the system of getting parcels to the men lad been greatly improved, and people need not fear tfiat their gifts were . :'.ot received.