COMFORTS FOR THE TROOPS.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 September 1915, Page 2

COMFORTS FOR THE TROOPS.

AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, September 8. A few days ago the Minister of ■Defence (the Hon. J. Allen) sent the following cablegram to the Officer Commanding the New Zealand base at Alexandria: "Last information from you intimated that imedimn-weight shirts of woollen material, vests, drawers, socks, cholera belts, pyjamas, and tthvels .were items most needed. Please let me know at the beginning of each month roughly how far your demands are satisfied, anil intimate what forma are most desirable to be sent from New Zealand. The ladies here are extremely anxious to work and want.directions as to the articles most necessary. Please begin with the present month."

Colonel Charters lias replied to the Minister as follows:—"All demands for socks you have met well, and it is now necessary to prepare for winter. Mufbers, cholera belts, mittens, Balaclavas. Cardigans, underclothing and shirts would be ii-oiul, and if ;upjjlics jit not already shipped by tli.s Willoelmi they would be acceptable at the earliest possible moment. Writing pad?, envelopes and pencils are very useful. The pads' need not be large, about eight incites by five inches. The efforts of the ladies are appreciated 'highly, but kindly send goods ior distribution to the troops generally, as they have been distributed widely, as explained previously. I will Ml the report for the current and following months as required." The 'Defence Minister informed a New Zealand Times reporter to-night that arrangements had been made for the dispatch of Ghristaas gifts for the troops by the transports leaving Wellington in the •middle of October. Goods suitably packed in cases and labelled could be sent to w'Cmfeo?' 3 f* »*