CANTEENS IN CAMP.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 606, 7 December 1909, Page 3

CANTEENS IN CAMP.

NUMEROUS PROTESTS. Christchurch, Dec. 7. In all nou-Episcopal churches in the city and suburbs, also the Young Men’s Christian Association, resolutions were yesterday passed, condemning and protesting against the establishment cf canteens at military training camps as proposed in the Defence Bill. The resolutions were passed unanimously by large congregations. Feilding, Dec. 6. There was a very large congregation at the Wesleyan Church yesterday, when the question of canteens at military camps was laid before the gathering. Mr CH, Poole, M.P., spoke on the matter, after which the Rev C. E. Beecroft (ex-President of the Wesleyan Conference) proposed that the following telegram be sent to the Premier; “Deeply concerned at Government proposal to continue facilities for obtaining intoxicants at military camps, considering the grave moral danger to which the liquor canteen system exposes the youth of the Dominion. The Feilding Wesley congregation earnestly and emphatically urges its abolition.” The motion was carried unanimously. The telegram was seat to the Premier this morning. Ashburton, December 6. Yesterday all the Nonconformist churches passed resolutions protesting against the provision for canteens being included in the Defence Bill. Several Young Men’s Bible Classes also passsd similar resolutions, considering that such canteens were calculated to exercise a demoralising influence on the young men compelled to attend the camps. Wellington, December 6. Congregations of a number of focal churches passed resolutions yesterday protesting against canteens being provided for by the Defence Bill.