CONTROL OF CAMP CANTEENS

Evening Post, Volume XCIV, Issue 40, 16 August 1917, Page 10

CONTROL OF CAMP CANTEENS

A STATEMENT IN PARLLAMENT.

Replying to a question a« to the advisabiiity of the Government taking over full control of camp canteens, the Minister of Defence states:—"The question of the Defence Department taking over the control of the camp canteens was fully considered in August, 1916, when the V.M.C.A. was approached with a view to their running the canteens _ for the Department. The matter was given duo consideration by that body, and on the 22nd August, 1916, the Director of Supplies and Transport received the following letter: 'A special committee was appointed by our National Executive to look into the matter of the committee making a proposal to undertake management of canteens and tea-rooms in the military camps. The committee brought to Wellington an experienced caterer who was interested in our work, and together they visited the camps and found the canteens managed very efficiently and the quality of the food served good, and the prices moderate. The Special Com j mittee, as a result of their visit, reported to the National Executive that in their judgment it would not be wise for the association to make a proposal at this time. This report was accepted by the executive and the finding unanimously agreed to.—E. C. Brownell, Assistant National Secretary.' The canteens are at present carried on by contractors for a period of six months. The prices for articles for which the canteen tenant has the sole right to sell are fixed by the Department, having due regard to ruling retail rates. Tenders arc always called, the highest tenderer being given the contract, for which he pays down a sum based upon the average daily number in camp. Xhis money is paid to the Camp Commandant, who administers the Canteen Fund, such moneys received being distributed pro rata amongst the reinforcements just prior to their departure. Thus, the reinforcements leaving the Dominion always have funds for purchase of luxuries, etc., on a long voyage. To sell the goods on a 'nonprofit' basis to men in camp would mean no funds for use en route and until drafted into their unit at destination."