TROOPS LIKE MAIL

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21211, 6 September 1940, Page 7

TROOPS LIKE MAIL

CABLEGRAM SERVICE (From the official War Correspondent with the New Zealand Forces in Great Britain). ALDERSHOT, August 6 Now that the Empire air mail service is disrupted by war, the Pacific —North American—Atlantic service, by which some of the more fortunate of our number had letters from home last week, a bare fortnight after their posting, is in high favour. When we use it, the cost (in sterling) is four shillings and sixpence a half ounce; it costs you (in New Zealand currency) six and threepence a half ounce. But be assured that the kindly thoughts induced in recipients are well worth the money. If you feel you cannot often run to six and threepence, the special-rate Expeditionary Force cablegram is worth notice: no charge for address, fivepence a word thereafter, with a minimum of half-a-crown. That That again is sterling; you may have to pay the New Zealand equivalent, but even so it is an inexpensive means of keeping touch. There is not much room for loneliness in Army life, and few of our boys are ever more than momentarily homesick. Remember, however, that they are constantly meeting British troops, all of whom are within leave-reach of their homes and many of whose wives and families are here in the command. When on top of this contrast the mail brings no letters for him. a New Zealand soldier is apt to be just a little sore Five words and a surname signature by cable cannot give him much home news; but they may mean a tremendous iok.