PARCELS RECEIVED IN EGYPT

Southland Times, Issue 24244, 30 September 1940, Page 6

PARCELS RECEIVED IN EGYPT

TROOPS WELL PLEASED WITH GIFTS

(New Zealand Official News Service) CAIRO, September 26.

Distributed almost on the eve of the anniversary of mobilization the first consignment of gift parcels to reach the New Zealand contingent in Egypt formed a welcome “first birthday present,” to the troops, who now are mostly stationed in the western desert. The attractive contents of the parcels which were forwarded through the National Patriotic Fund Board were a general source of surprise and delight to the New Zealanders. They contained a wide range of comforts such as tinned foodstuffs, cakes, biscuits, sweets, and tobacco all of which are types of gifts extremely acceptable to the fighting forces herefl The articles of clothing and toilet were wisely reduced to a minimum.

The parcels were marked in many cases with the names of the organizations or provinces by which they were donated. Some contained goodwill messages from individual donors. As far as possible the troops will be given parcels which originated from their own provinces, but such wisdom has been shown in the selection of the contents that most are more than satisfied with the gifts received. Unique supper parties were held in many tents the evening after distribution when even in the darkness of the blackout fruit salad and cream topped off with biscuits and coffee were easily prepared luxuries.