“WET” CANTEENS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20096, 16 November 1939, Page 7

“WET” CANTEENS

GOVERNMENT’S DECISION SPIRITUOUS LIQUOR BAN MILK BARS & CAFETERIA (Per Press Associntion.) WELLINGTON, this day. Following a thorough and prolonged examination of all the various representations made to it and of all the factors involved, the Government has decided to establish “wet’’ canteens, the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, announced to-day. He said there had been discussions with officers of the forces, social workers, returned soldiers and various representative men and women.

An examination had been made also of the practice in other countries and. on the evidence, it appeared that the provision of "wet” canteens, administered under strict rules of discipline with sales confined to lighter ales and no spirituous liquors would, having regard to all the circumstances, be in the best interest of the .soldiers.

Mr. Jones, added that it was not proposed, however, to confine the service in “wet’’ canteens to the supply of ale. Provision would be made for the establishment of milk bars and cafeteria services, and nothing would be done to encourage the consumption of ale in preference to milk shakes, soft drinks, tea and coffee. The net profits would be used for the benefit of the soldiers.

It is expected that a “wet’’ canteen will be opened at Trentham to-mor-row and arrangements are being made to establish “wet” canteens in other camps as soon as possible.

N.Z. MILITARY CAMPS