“WET” CANTEENS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 31, 16 November 1939, Page 3

“WET” CANTEENS

THE GOVERNMENT'S DECISION. MINISTER STATES REASON. (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, November 15. In announcing the decision of the Government to establish wet canteens at military camps, the Minister of Defence. (the Hon. F. Jones) said there had been discussions with officers of the forces, social workers, returned soldiers and various representative men and women. An examination bad 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, he in the best interests of the soldiers.

The not profits',would bo used for the benefit of soldiers.

It is expected that a wet canteen will be opened at Trentham to-morrow, and arrangements are being made to establish wet canteens in other camps as soon as possible. "•

“A DEADLY MENACE.” CHRISTCHURCH, November 15. The North Canterbury Methodist Synod passed the following resolution: “That we ask all congregations next Sunday to' protest against-the Government’s action in establishing wet canteens at the New Zealand military camps and communicate the result to the Prime Minister, the Minister of (Defence, and local Members of Parliament. That as the Government under the 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 ou|r soldiers . . . We regret that in view of the national peril the Government has taken such a reactionary step which may act as a deterrent to future enlistment.”

OPPOSITION BY SYNOD. SOUTH CANTERBURY METHODISTS. “That this synod, representing South Canterbury, urges the Government not to grant wet canteens for military camps,” was a resolution carried at the annual synod of Methodist churches in South Canterbury, held in Ashburton yesterday. The resolution, which was in the form of a remit, was moved by Mr G. H. B. Dill, of Willowby, and seconded by Mr J. Hayman, of Waimnte.

It was stated in opposition to the remit, that the> provision of a wet canteen might he the lesser of two evils. When the wet canteen was available the me,n would not ho tempted to visit the hotels and “sly-grog” establishments. Supporters of the remit said tlia-t the presence of wet canteens in camps was no guarantee that the men would not visit hotels. The remit was carried with a few dissenting voices.