CHRISTMAS PARCELS FOR FIGHTING FORCES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24420, 4 October 1940, Page 4

CHRISTMAS PARCELS FOR FIGHTING FORCES

TO THE EDITOR Sir, —For the information of myself and many others interested, I wonder if it would be possible for you to obtain and publish details about the methods used in working out the allocation of Christmas parcels for the fighting forces. _ ... . To clarify the position, I think answers to the following questions would be sufficient:—-(1) How many parcels are required for the whole of New Zealand? (2) Are parcels allocated on a population basis? (3) Do nurses receive parcels. (4) Do air* men receive parcels? (5) Are men m the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy, including R.N.V.R. men, to receive parcels? „ , If the number of parcels is allotted on a population basis and the number required by the Clutha County area vs, as I understand, 220. then on a proportional basis the number required

for the whole of New Zealand would be in excess of 49,500. As 1 estimate the number required is not in excess of 30,000, I consider that an unfair method of allocation has been adopted, and an investigation into the method adopted should be sought, as it is not fair to impose a quota on one area in excess of that imposed on any other area. , , An explanation of these several points is awaited with interest. —I am. etc.. Inquirer. Clinton. September 23. IThe secretary of the National Patriotic Fund Board, to whom the above letter was referred, replies as follows to the questions contained in it:—(1) The number of parcels required for the whole of New Zealand depends upon the number of men overseas. For the Christmas parcel we worked on 30,000 parcels, which, possibly; will be slightly over the number required. As further men go overseas a larger number of parcels will be necessary. (2) Parcels are definitely allocated on a population basis. Otago’s proportion being 9.3 per cent. Mr Russell, secretary of the Otago Provincial Patriotic Council, allocates the parcels amongst his' zones. (3) Nurses do receive parcels. As a matter of fact, a small band of women make these up specially. They are included in the 30.000. but are not included in Otago’s share. (4) Airmen are receiving a Christmas parcel. (5) All men in the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy are receiving a parcel, and those men attached to the Royal Navy in various ships are being forwarded a parcel direct through the High Commissioner in London. The question of providing an individual parcel for the detached men of the New Zealand Forces, such as those attached to the Royal Navy and (he Royal Air . Force, is a rather difficult one, and there are bound to be a few who are missed. The board is. however, doing its ; best to see that every Ne,w Zealander serving overseas will receive a parcel from the people of New Zealand for Christmas. To that end it is sending to the United Kingdom parcels in excess of the number of men who have proceeded overseas. Parcels for the soldiers will, of course, go direct to the various units. —Ed, 0.D.T.l