DRINK IN P.W. CAMPS

Evening Star, Issue 22595, 12 March 1937, Page 8

DRINK IN P.W. CAMPS

MR SEMPLE CHALLENGES ALLEGATION CONDUCT OF MEN GOOD [Pee United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, March 12. The reports of excessive drinking at Kaikoura by the men employed in the Public Works camps, mentioned at a meeting of the Wairau Licensing Committee by the chairman (Mr Maunsell, S.M.), have been challenged by the Hon. R. Semple at Auckland in an interview. “Mr Maunsell’s statement is only based on rumours, and my investigations so far prove that the rumours are not well founded,” said Mr Semple. The Minister said that the member for Wairau, Mr Meachen, who was one of the Minister’s co-opted members to make frequent visits to _ the Public Works jobs in. the district, had just completed a tour from the northern end of the line, and reported that the progress made and the conduct of the men were extremely good. Mr Meachen had telephoned the Minister last night to say there was no truth in Mr Maunsell’s statement.

“ There was some drinking at the other end of the line which was dealt with by myself,” added Mr Semple. “ I instructed the engineer to discharge any man who brought liquor on the job. One was discharged, and I sent his liquor back myself from the station to the brewery. I instructed the engineer to keep a watchful eye, and to sack if necessary. Since this another man has been sacked for bringing drink into the camp. We are watcliing very carefully at both ends, and have also posted warning notices. ISverything possible is being done to keep the camps clean in fairness to the great majority of the men, “ They are a fine steady group, and I, have asked Mr Meachen to make further investigations. We do not say the men shall be prohibitionists, but we do insist that in constructional camps, where women and children and sober men live, they shall not be disturbed by excessive drinking. I remember the time when constructional camps were drinking and gambling dens.”