PARCELS FOR SORTERS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2869, 6 September 1916, Page 3

PARCELS FOR SORTERS

THE WAY TIIEY SHOULD BE WRAPPED.

Christmas i<i coming and nvery other person in tho Dominion will be sending something to the boys in tho trenches or in the English hospitals to remind them of their own country arid tho loving hearts that are concerned for-their welfare. That being the ease, it behoves everyone to know what is the right thing to do. In tho first place everyone should know that its much as 12 ounces in weight may be sent to soldiers in France, England, or elsewhere in the war zone, for 3d., whilst weight over and above tins 12 ounces is charged for proportionately. That gives a sound general guide as to tho cost of sending goods abroad to those on military duty. What, however, is of infinitely more importance is the manner in which 'the goods aro packed. Almost everyone knows what happened in Egypt. Cakes, fruit, preserves, sweets, and other perishable products by the ton arrived in such a condition that no attempt could be made at distribution, owing to the inadequacy of the packing. And so the generous thought and (action of many good-natured pcoplo in New Zealand went for jjangiu. Experience has taught the Postal authorities that goods must be • wrapped in a reasonably secure manner in order to ensure their delivery, and as many people as attend at the Parcels Post Office ami succeed in doing their business', there and. then are sent away to le-parcel their goods. Many good-hearted mothers, sisters,' wives, etc., take a delight in sending samples of their cooker}' abroad—even unto J? ranee. Those goodies should be well packed in an air-tight tin, or (strong box, but the air-tight tin is' preferable—the soldered-up ono being tho best. In this regard it might be taken as a suggestion that the plumbing students at the Technical School might appoint an hour or tiro a week (preferably a day or two before tho mail closes) to solder up tins of good things for relatives of soldiers, as not ono in fifty would know; how to go about tho task. So much for tho dispatch of food-stuffs. Equal caro has to bo taken with clothing, tobacco, cigarettes, comforts, etc., to ensure delivery. These must now r be protected and wrapped up in scrim, canvas, or hollandl, and tho edges sown down, and the addresses should be written boldly either in ink or ink pencil on the canvas or calico, or it may lie done by sewing a square of ealico on to the scrim or canvas, or attaching a strong linen label. As must bo expected in war-time, mails may have to be handled pretty roughly on occasions, and the public would be helping the Postal authorities here and in France, as well as benefiting the lads at the front, by making their packages as strong as possible."