SOLDIERS’ PARCELS

Evening Star, Issue 23683, 17 September 1940, Page 6

SOLDIERS’ PARCELS

SOME ARRIVING DAMAGED CALICO, LINEN, OR CANVAS SHOULD BE USED [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, September 16. The Post Office again desires to emphasise the necessity for securely packing parcels fur soldiers serving overseas. Advice recently received from the base post office at Egypt discloses that, while parcels are in the main received in good condition, a small number arrive damaged or with the address missing, due to being wrapped in flimsy paper and tied with thin twine. When parcels are insecurely packed and wrapped the result is a waste of time and money by the sender and disappointment to the intended recipient. It is desirable that parcels should be enclosed in strong calico, linen, or canvas, and securely sewn up. Soft articles and perishable goods should be enclosed in tins, with the lids soldered on. Parcels should be addressed in block letters. It is most important that the number of the echelon should be included, and in addition a slip of paper bearing the complete name and address of the soldier and of the sender should be enclosed. It is advisable not to include tobacco or cigarettes in parcels for soldiers in Egypt, as the addressees are required to pay high Customs duty on such items. Finally, the Dost Office suggests that Christmas parcels for the forces in Egypt and England should be posted not later than during the last week in October to ensure delivery at the appropriate time.