SOLDIERS' PARCELS

Marlborough Express, Volume LXXVI, Issue 252, 26 October 1942, Page 4

SOLDIERS' PARCELS

DELIVERY AT FRONT. FRONT LINE MEN READY. Some concern has been felt by Marlborough donors to the patriotic unaddressed parcels fund through reports that the parcels do not reach the men right in the front fighting lines. Here are two letters, one signed by a group, received by the Marlborough Patriotic Council, which show that the six parcels referred to went right up to the front. These are samples only of hundreds of letters received. The surprising thing is that the men are so thoughtful as to write these acknowledgments for their hands must be pretty full. The two letters are as follows: — "The Chairman, Marlborough Provincial Patriotic Council. — Joint greetings and thanks from those of us- who were fortunate enough to be the recipients of one of your parcels last night. It had been a particu- ' larly trying day so far as the weather and the flies were concerned, so the receipt of the parcels was doubly welcome, not so much for the actual contents as for the very pleasant memories conjured up by those of us at all familiar with Marlborough. "One again we realised that there is a country where the grass grows green, and where cooling streams flow, and where there are not so many flies. However, for all the flies and the dust we don't do so badly. So far as the contents of the parcels were concerned, they filled quite a few gaps— especially the cakes and the toheroa soup, both very good bets. Foot powders and tooth paste, and the dash of barley sugar are always well received. "Perhaps I might make a suggestion: Several long leads from some of your artesian wells over there would be very well received! "Thanks again for the parcels, Marlborough— your good • work is greatly appreciated. With all good wishes, from— Leslie Bogren (Wellington), Stan Singleton- Smith (Hawkes Bay), Jack Spencer (Hawkes Bay), Harry Penney (Hunterville), Albert Dick (Tauranga)." "Chairman, The Marlborough Provincial Patriotic Council. Dear Sir,— I am writing to you from the; desert which is the reason for using a pencil. "I received one of your parcels which was much appreciated, as we have been in the desert many weeks now. The contents made in New Zealand will certainly be enjoyed. "May I say that your council is certainly doing good work for the men over here. — Yours sincerely, Pte. K. Cheesman." -V