PATRIOTIC EFFORTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 May 1942, Page 2

PATRIOTIC EFFORTS

OF THE W.F.C.A. STAFF.

MANY GIFTS SENT OVERSEAS. With the publicity given to organised drives for raising funds for patriotic purposes it is perhaps only natural that the sustained efforts of local business firms and factories in providing comforts and necessities for those who, lately their felloAV-workers, are now seiwing their country overseas, should to a certain extent be overlooked. That this Avork is still going on quietly and unostentatiously, but none the less effectively, is very often known only to the firms and employees concerned, and to the recipients themselves. In this connection the patriotic Avork of one local firm —the Wairarapa Farmers’ Co-operative Association—is Avorthy of mention. It is, moreover, only typical of what is being done by many other Wairarapa firms. Since the Avar started, no fewer than 4,669 papers, daily and illustrated weeklies, have been despatched to ex-members of the W.F.C.A. staff now serving overseas. The wrapping and addressing of this large number of packets occupies the time of two members of the staff for a Avhole morning every Aveek. In addition, 378 parcels of an average value of 10s have also been despatched. These parcels, which are sewn up by lady members of the staff, contain anything from cakes, tobacco, etc., to the smallest article likely to be useful to the men overseas. Voluntary contributions of small amounts each week have itoav reached the substantial total of £343 Bs, without taking into account contributions made by members of the staff to othei appeals of a local and national character.