WOMEN’S PART

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20953, 4 November 1939, Page 10

WOMEN’S PART

PATRIOTIC SERVICES PROVISION OF COMFORTS ELIMINATION OF WASTAGE “ I think we are in agreement that an outstanding problem, challenging the best thought of the council, has been the inauguration of a large-scale activity for the benefit of the men in camps under service, to which the women of the province could wholeheartedly devote their energies,” said the Mayor of Auckland, Sir Ernest Davis, who is chairman of the Auckland Provincial Patriotic Council, at a meeting of the council in the Hamilton municipal chambers last night. At first sight a solution was not discernible, and the resulting delay naturally strained almost to breaking point the patience of those who, in their great desire to help, were prepared to do anything, so long os it was an aid to the men serving the country, said Sir Ernest. Sympathy was extended to the women because, until this week, it was not practicable to establish positively what the actual necessities were, and thus to enable a policy for the province to be formulated. The wisdom of planning in that respect to avoid wastage and the manufacture of unsuitable garments would be recognised. Line of Approach “ Admittedly, the mere statement cf a solution does not necessarily solve a problem, but in this instance I am encouraged to believe that the line of approach is one of substance. This angle is stressed because part of the operation of the scheme is dependent upon supplies of the materials being available in the quantities needed,” said Sir Ernest. “ Having conferred with the relevant authorities, and obtained from them, after careful analyses, an authoritative survey of requirements, I can now outline the first instalment of an extensive scheme designed to absorb the voluntary services of all women in the province who are prepared to assist. This relates to the provision for distribution to the soldiers in the camps at Hopu Hopu, the North Shore, Papakura and Motutapu, the members of the Air Force at Hobsonville and members of the Mercantile Marine under service conditions of: 4000 pairs of hand-knitted socks, 4000 pairs of pyjamas, 4000 Christmas parcels, and Christmas puddings. “ Although socks are an army issue, pyjamas, except in hospitals, are not. I am informed by the authorities that hand-knitted socks, well made in a fast serviceable colour, preferably a warm grey, and standard size pyjamas, are gifts that will not only be appreciated, but also will fill a definite want. The proposal for the despatch to each member of the forces, of a Christmas package, which would include say, cigarettes, sweets, a handkerchief and a toothbrush and the distribution of Christmas puddings to camps and stations, speaks for itself. Of the activities referred to, the first two items, according to the length of the war, are likely to be recurring. This work will require a high degree of organisation, apart from the application of willing workers to the jobs themselves.” The Mayor of Hamilton, Mr H. D. Caro, expressed the opinion that it would not be possible to get sufficient material in New Zealand for the manufacture of 4000 of pyjamas. It would take about 20,000 yards of material, and the speaker did not think that it would be available. Sir Ernest stated that that matter had already been fully investigated.