H—22A

The Board feels that it cannot speak too highly of the work of its expending agents, who did so much to make the patriotic effort of this country the success which it undoubtedly was. Both the Y.M.C.A. and the Church of England Military Affairs Committee since the early days of the war had provided welfare for Service personnel overseas and in New Zealand from funds made available by the Board. Their unremitting service is warmly appreciated by the Board, as is also the work of those many citizens associated with these organizations who gave their time and labour in this important work. Joint Council of the Order of St. John and New Zealand Red Cross Society The work of this organization as expending agent of the Board in the care of sick and wounded personnel was continued during the year and extended to include the conduct of the recreational huts attached to the hospitals. In addition to the provision of welfare which includes distribution of cigarettes, tobacco, fruit, &c, and outings for the patients, a most important phase is that of diversional and occupational therapy. By teaching the arts and handicrafts to the men in hospital by various processes, a valuable adjunct to the well-being of patients is provided as well as, in many cases, equipping them with a means of livelihood on their discharge. During the twelve months ended 31st March, 194.7, the following comforts were distributed to hospitals : Cigarettes .. .. .. ..1,377,390 Tobacco (packets) .. .. .. .. 47,071 Chocolate (tablets) .. .. .. 71,449 Biscuits and cake (lb.) .. .. .. 4,102 Fruit (cases) . . .. . . . . 750 Matches (boxes) .. .. .. .. 27,332 Newspapers .. .. .. .. 16,716 Christmas parcels .. .. .. .. 2,268 Soft drinks (bottles) .. .. .. 2,500 New Zealand Navy League War Council The work of the New Zealand Navy League War Council as expending agent of the Board concluded on 30th September, 1947. The Council was entrusted with the provision of comforts for the men of the Navy, and the success of its efforts is evidenced by the many letters of appreciation received from these men. The Board desires to express its thanks to the Navy League for its part in this patriotic work. New Zealand Lady Galway Guild The Lady Galway Guild was formed in 1940 to provide second-hand clothing and footwear for refugees in Great Britain. Branches were formed throughout New Zealand to receive'the clothing, recondition it where necessary, and pack it for despatch overseas. The organization forwarded 9,011 cases of clothing up to the end of December, 1946, when it disbanded. The Board desires to pay a tribute to all those persons who assisted in this work, which was the means of bringing so much comfort to the needy in Great Britain. 4. Work Overseas The Board continued to supply welfare for Service personnel in Japan, United Kingdom, Fiji, and Norfolk Island up to 31st March, 1947, from patriotic funds, and thereafter out of funds provided from art-union profits. Expenditure on troops overseas amounted to £28,238, of which £lB,OOO was a charge against patriotic funds.

3