WET CANTEENS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 November 1939, Page 5

WET CANTEENS

OPENING IN MILITARY CAMPS GOVERNMENT DECISION ANNOUNCED. GENERAL CAFETERIA SERVICES. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day. The intention of the Government to establish wot canteens in military camps was announced yesterday by the Minister of Defence, Mr Jones. He said this decision had been made after thorough and prolonged examination of all the various representations that had been made and of all the factors involved, it is expected that a wet canteen will be opened in Trcntham military camp today. Arrangements are bejng made to open similar canteens in other camps as soon as possible. Mr Jones said that there had been discussions with officers of the forces, social workers, returned soldiers, and various representative men and women. Examination had been made also of the practice in other countries and on the evidence it appeared that the provision of a wet canteen, administered under strict rules of discipline, with sales confined to the lighter ales, and no spirituous liquors, would, having regard to all the circumstances. be in the best interests of the soldiers "It is not proposed, however, to confine the service of wet canteens to the supply of ale." Mr Jones added. "Provision will be made for the establishment of milk bars and cafeteria services, and nothing will be done to encourage the consumption of ale in preference to milk shakes, soft drinks, tea and coffee. The net profits of tlie canteen will be used for the benefits of the soldiers." METHODIST PROTEST "INEFFICIENCY & MORAL WRECKAGE." (By Telegraph—f*ress nssoeiuuun.) WELLINGTON. This Day. Tlie Methodist Church was against wet canteens, and its chaplains .who were at the Front in the last war stood by the church in that decision, said the Rev. Percy Paris, in a statement made last night on the report that wet canteens were to be established in military camps. “We say that a good deal of inefficiency and moral wreckage is due to drink, and that there is nothing in favour of wet canteens.” continued Mr Paris. "At a consultation between the Government and others on the subject, I represented the Methodist Church, and expressed our view. "Wet canteens may also affect recruiting. Some people will be loath to let their boys go where they will be face to face with temptation.” CANTERBURY RESOLUTION (By Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH. November 15. The North Canterbury Methodist Synod has adopted the following resolution:— "That we ask all congregations next Sunday to protest against the Government's action in establishing wet canteens in New Zealand military camps, and communicate the result to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Defence, and local M.P's. As the Government. under emergency regulations, has decided to establish wet canteens in direct opposition to the Defence Act, we declare our belief that such action is a deadly menace to the moral and physical efficiency of our soldiers. . . . We regret, in view of the national peril, that the Government has taken such a reactionary step, which may act as a deterrent to future enlistment."