CORRESPONDENTS' VIEWS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 125, 29 May 1942, Page 4

CORRESPONDENTS' VIEWS

SOLDIERS AND TOBACCO PRICES

(To The Editor)

After the recent rise in tobacco prices the general public was informed that the price of tobacco to all soldiers would be the same as that previously paid by them prior to the rise. I would like to know what steps the Government proposes to take in order to supply tne hundreds of soldiers stationed in Auckland city alone with tobacco at the old prices. In the past few days I was "stung" to the extent of an extra 2/6 for three two-ounce packets. As our rate of payment is 7/ per day, with a compulsory allotment of 4/6 per day, we consider it is high time that the Government made up its mind how it is going to solve the problem. If we don't squeal no doubt they will be quite content to let things go merrily along whilst the general public are under the impression that all soldiers are receiving their tobacco at the old rates. I would also like to make known the fact that there are more soldiers in New Zealand who have to make their purchases from city and town shops than those who are served by an army canteen. Is it a "fair go" that these soldiers should be forced to pay tenpence tax on every two ounce packet of tobacco, out of an actual cash payment of 2/6 per day. SOLDIER.

The Hon. F. Jones, Minister of Defence, states in reply: "As you know, it is the decision of the Government that the former price for tobacco and cigarettes purchased by soldiers shall apply, but that such concession does not extend to the civilian population. To give cffect to this decision, it has been arranged that, where not already done, a canteen be established adjacent to the headquarters of every unit, in New Zealand. From these canteens*

soldiers can obtain their supply of cigarettes and tobacco at the reduced prices, and it is anticipated that no soldier need patronise shops where the higher prices are necessarily ruling. If, of course, he neglects to provide himself with a supply when he is going on leave he must then pay the ordinary commercial charge operating for civilians. You will realise that it is not possible for the army to arrange for the concession to be made operative for soldiers in shops in the cities and towns" (Ed.)