The Bucksheesh Parcel

Levin Daily Chronicle, 15 June 1918, Page 4

The Bucksheesh Parcel

Says a writer in the Auckland "Star": —May I say a word abo.it the gifts which reach the men at the front from Ladies' Patriotic Societies in New Zealand. "Bucksheesh" parcel day is a red-letter day always. If only the good people at home could witness the pleasure the boys get out of it, they would reap some small measure of satisfaction. The men are just like big kid.« with a Christmas stocking. Because no two parcels are quite alike there is no «id of curiosity as to what cach contains—and how the other fellow has fared in comparison to yourself. Different fellows have different tastes, but it may be worth while stating that in the crowd with which I was associated we welcomed most of all the tins of Havelnck tobacco, the tins of sweets, and the handkerchiefs. Socks are useful, but ample supplies can always be obtained at the baths, and handkerchiefs are better. In the cold winter months condensed milk, cocoa, and cafe r.u lait are the best of all the treasure trove, but in the warmer weather the fellows are not nearly as keen about them. Tinned fish and meat—so long as it is not pork and beans—are always worth while. Cigarettes, even in tins seems to become mildewed. But Havelock tobacco is only procurable from New Zealand —you cannot obtain it in England or France —and it is a boon. Likewise the little tins of plain boiled lollies are greatly appreciated. Sweets .are almost unprocurable. I have paid sixpence for twelve of those plain little black objects known as "black balls," which one used to buy in New Zealand for sixpence per pound." But, anyway, the point I want to make is that "Bucksheesh parcel days"—which come about once a month—are redletter days, and fair friends in New Zealand may take it for granted that their kindness is appreciated—and then some—by the New Zealanders at the front.