WET CANTEENS.

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2703, 24 February 1916, Page 6

WET CANTEENS.

Sir,—Having considered this question I am thoroughly satisfied that the institution of the wet canteens in our camps would be the best preventive of over-indulgence among a few soldiers when they come to town. The wet canteen is in all English and French camps, and it is.open in Egypt from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. at .Zeitoun Camp.-' Why not establish wet canteens in New Zealand? Arc our soldiers to be trusted to fight against the enemies of the Empire and rat trusted, with two pints of beer daily? In the British Navy and Army the rum and beer ration is regular; but narrowness, bigotry, and ' fanaticism have deprived the New Zealand soldier of the alcoholic refreshments lie was •accustomed to before he enlisted. Such conduct on the part of a few ill-con-ditioned persons is imposing upon our army a greater sacrifice than our soldiers ought to be called upon to bear. Besides, the wet canteen enables tho military authorities to keep the liquor lTifuer control, and it would discipline the soldier into the temperate use of this commodity. In Queensland all tile leading clergymen petitioned the Government to establish wet canteens at the camps, and Canon Garland, the resident military chaplain, in the interests of the men supported it. ' By your cableirrams the other day I .noticed that Mr. ITolman, tho Premier of New Soutli AVales, is advocating wet canteens on English lines for all Australia—l am etc., ' A SOLDIER'S FATHER.