OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 September 1939, Page 4

OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

LIQUOR IN CAMPS

(To the Editor.)

Sir. —One cannot help being amused at the letter of "Lead us Not Into Temptation” and his suggestions for keeping liquor out of military camps. In the first place men for service overseas have to be over 21 years of age. They therefore have attained their majority and are not boys but men. Further, they are doing a man’s job. General Godley was all for the same sort of stuff. No wet canteens on board ship or in camp. He tried to carry this out in Egypt, too, in the early days, but was asked by General Birdwood (beloved old J'Birdy”): "Have you brought over men or children?” "Men,” replied General Godley. “Very well then, treat them as men,” snapped "Birdy.” Now, Sir, drunkenness in the army is a punishable offence and whilst I personally hate to see anyone even half drunk, I fail to see why, if any of the troops feel that they could do with a glass or two of beer, they should be unable to procure it. Australian camps and transports all had their wet canteens. So had the Tommies and they were all the better for it. I am a total obstainer myself, but I do not see why I should try and inflict my opinions on the members of an Expeditionary Force or military camp.—Yours, etc., DO UNTO OTHERS. Masterton' September 14.