BOOKS NEEDED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 February 1943, Page 5

BOOKS NEEDED

FOR SOLDIERS IN MIDDLE EAST. The Wairarapa Returned Services’ Association, in conjunction with the Wellington Returned Services’ Association, is appealing for good used books and illustrated magazines, which are urgently required for New Zealand soldiers in the forward areas in the Middle East. Most householders in this district have on their bookshelves good novels which they have all read and which should now be available for sending where they are badly needed. A report has been received from Lieut. Col. F. W. Waite, D. 5.0., from the Middle East, in which he stresses the shortage of books and magazines for the troops in the fighting line. In the course of his report, Colonel Waite states: “The world shortage of books and magaines is seriously affecting the Middle East. Great armies of fit men must have something to occupy their minds in off moments, and very often they cannot gather together in groups to play games owing to the danger of air activities. Books in Egypt are scarce and very dear, and to supply isolated units we are forced to buy a certain amount, and there is a great demand on every shipmerit that arrives.” The Wairarapa Returned Services’ Association, therefore, appeals to residents of this district to meet this urgent request by donations, which will be thankfully received, and may be left at the Association’s office, Perry Street, Masterton, with Mr A. G. Rabbits, Carterton, Mr A. G. Nisbet, Greytown, Mr J. A. Halpin, Featherston, or Mr N. C. D. Mason, Martinborough.