CHRISTMAS PARCELS

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21363, 6 March 1941, Page 6

CHRISTMAS PARCELS

ARRIVE FOR TROOPS WOOLLEN GOODS DESTROYED RESULT OF ENEMY ACTION (By Telegraph.—Press Association/ WELLINGTON, Thursday Although the Christmas parcels sent by the National Patriotic Fund Board leached the New Zealand Forces in England safely and in good condition, a considerable portion of the woollen goods included in the consignment suffered severely by enemy action after its arrival in Britain. Advice has been received from the overseas commissioner, LieutenamtColpnel Waite, that 46 of the 50 cases of woollen goods were destroyed representing a loss of approximately 7000 each of balaclavas, pairs oi mittens and scarves. The cases were stored at the time in a warehouse in Liverpool. As the contents had some salvage value they were handed over to the Knitted Comforts Committee to salvage and make the best use possible of the material worth saving. The cases were a part of a big consignment of comforts.

Lieutenant - Colonel Waite forwarded details of the Christmas parcels, showing that 142 cases went to London for posting to individual Members of the Navy, and Royal Air Force. 12 special cases to the Maori Battalion, three to nurses, four special cases to the forestry units, and three to members of the New Zealand Forces in hospital. A further 998 cases were allotted for distribution among other New Zealand troops.