TREATING SOLDIERS.

White Ribbon, Volume 21, Issue 248, 18 February 1916, Page 6

TREATING SOLDIERS.

2 6, Tui Street, Fendalton, Christchurch, February 4, 1916. Dear White Ribbon Sisters, It must be a matter of deep sorrow for those who have the welfare of our soldiers at heart to know that many of them are falling under the temptation of liquor, and that this is due very largely to the sadly mistaken idea some people have of what constitutes good-fellowship or hospitality. The Defence Minister has made strong appeals to the public not to “treat” the men, but these appeals seem to have been made in vain. It has therefore been decided that I shall ask our Unions to pass at their Februry meetings a strong resolution, asking for the immediate prohibition of the practice of “shouting” for soldiers. The resolution should be telegraphed to the Minister for Defence (Hon. J. Allen), and published in the local papers. Some Unions have already passed a resolution of this kind; these are urged to repeat it, so that in February every Union will send forward a resolution. If a meeting of the Union is not possible, I would suggest that the President or Secretary should send the request to the Minister. If all Unions will take action in February, the subject can be followed up by Convention, and, if necessary, further action can be taken. Yours in White Ribbon Bonds, C. HENDERSON, Hon. Sec.