AN APPEAL FOR OLD CLOTHES.
(To TEE EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR.")
SIR,—Nearly eighteen months ago you were kind enough to insert in your columns an appeal by me for old clothes,for the use of the patients in the Queen Alexandra Military Hospital at Mill- bank; and the most generous answer of your readers was a stock of clothing sufficient for the needs of many months. it is, how- ever, almost exhausted at last, and, although .1 am no longer there to distribute the clothes, having received a diplomatic) appoint- ment abroad, I venture to appeal to your readers again. The hospital has certain claims to special consideration. It receives all the badly wounded prisoners of war repatriated direct from Germany. The ether patients belong mostly to the Brigade of Guards, and there is a good sprinkling of men from the Dominions. The object of the appeal is to provide a really good civilian outfit for all the men discharged into civil life; secondly, to provide certain little comforts for patients still in hospital. Under this heading come dressing-gowns, pyjamas, and especially light boots and- shoes, invaluable for convalescents after a long illness. Lastly, flannel shirts and underlinen, Cardigan jackets and khaki comforters and gloves, are most warmly appreciated by patients returning to duty. Really, however, it is safe to send any conceivable article of masculine attire. Nearly anything -comes in somewhere; and the few articles unsuitable for soldiers can always be passed on to a civilian charity. I would just say that the things most appreciated are (1) boots and footwear of all kinds; (2) overcoats, mackintoshee, &c.; (3) tweed suits, cloth caps, and soft felt haft; (4) soft-fronted shirts and underlinen of all kinds, also handkerchiefs, gloves, and socks; (5) what soldiers call " small kit ".--razors, hairbrushes, and toilet articles gener- ally. My address will explain why I cannot undertake to acknowledge contributions, or answer letters personally. All letters and parcels should be addressed to the Lady Almoner of the hospital, Mrs. Gregson, Census Extension, Q.A.M. Hospital, Millbank, London, S.W. 1; or parcels may be addressed, if desired, to Mrs. Gregson'e private house, 5 Lowndee Street, London,
S.W. 1.—I am, Sir, &o., Sr. Craze. British Legation, Berne, Switzerland.
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