BURNHAM CAMP

Grey River Argus, 22 November 1939, Page 10

BURNHAM CAMP

BEER GARDEN PLANNED. CHRISTCHURCH. November 21. A novelty in the surroundings in which they will drink their beer will be provided for the soldiers at the Burnham military camp. A beer garden, where the men can drink at their leisure under trees and big umbrellas, has been planned. In contrast to the 12oz glasses served in public bars in the city, the 6d measure to be sold the, men will contain 14oz, and they will receive 7oz for 3d. Although no official announcement has been made, it is understood that only one brand of beer —brewed by a Christchurch company—will be on sale at Burnham. An old house on the sections at the back of the District Military i School is being remodelled as a wet ’ canteen, in which beer, ice-creams, soft drinks, and milk shakes will be sold. The interior accommodation fori drinking is likely to be very , limited, and the idea of converting i the garden was hit upon. So that ’ the soldiers will be encouraged to drink leisurely and moderately, attractions of an al fresco drinking garden are being arranged. Tables are to be placed under the trees and, in the open, under umbrellas, and from Ihe opening day—yet to be fixed —invitations will be given to the patrons to purchase their beer ‘ and move out into the open air.

The bar, on to which hot and cold water is being laid, will be opened nightly between 6 and 9 o’clock. The profits from the canteen are to be sei aside for the use of the units. Commenting on the dry canteens already established in the principal military camps, the Minister for Defence (the Hon. F. Jones), who yesterday approved of the lay-out for the wet canteen at Burnham, said reference had been made on several occasions to the association of Woolworths (N.Z.) Ltd., with their operation. The service given by the company, he stressed, was absolutely free, and without cost to the Government.

“Statements have been made implying that Woolworths were in some way profiting from the operations of these canteens. Nothing can be further from the truth,” said Mr Jones, “and I would now like to make the position quite clear. In the establishing of the canteens, the Director of Internal Marketing, who was responsible for initiating’ the scheme, received an offer of assistance from Woolworths, who voluntarily placed at the disposal of the Government their complete and comprehensive organisation. In addition, they under-’ took to loan to the Internal Marketing Division such senior executives of their organisation as were necessary; for establishing the canteens throughout the Dominion.” “In availing itself of this offer, the Internal Marketing Division felt that

it would be advantageous to train the canteen managers and staff which were appointed and under the control of the division under competent executives provided by the organisation. Their experience in chain store organisation had proved invaluable. “I therefore feel it incumbent on me to make this statement,” said Mr Jones, “because the Government greatly appreciates the service given by Wool worths (N.Z.), Ltd.” CANTEEN PRICES. CHRISTCHURCH, November 21. ; A recommendation that goods sold : at canteens in military camps should ; J he sold as cheaply as possible, is to ibe made to the authorities by the Christchurch Returned Soldiers’ As- ’ sociation in terms of a resolution adopted by the executive last night. “I think goods could be supplied cheaper than they are at present,” said Dr. F. L. Scott. “Something should be done.” Mr A. E. Haines said that he recently visited the canteen at Burnham camp and priced many of the goods offered. Prices compared favourably with those of the shops in town, but were not lower. "Couldn’t they be made lower?” asked Dr. Scott. “I feel myself that there is not the need to make a profit,” said Mr Haines. The profits, he said, were to be used for the benefit of the men, but the men paying the profits might not benefit. It would therefore be fairer to give the men the benefit of cheap prices now. Wages and other overhead were to be paid from the profits of the canteen, and not by the military authorities, said Mr E. F. Willcox. Mr J’. S. Chisholm said that many of the men were advocating the sale I of beer and tobacco free of duty, but that was dangerous because it allowed abuses to creep in. “But I agree that no undue profit should be made,” he said.

PAPAKURA CANTEEN. AUCKLAND. November 20. Soldiers in camp at Papakura were given their “wet” canteen this afternoon immediately after an inspection by the chief of the general staff (Major-General J. E. Duigan). Those at Ngaruawahia will have theirs next Monday. General enthusiasm marked the opening of the canteen; but it was noticeable that few of the men who went inside stayed for long, or spent more than a very modest sum, most of them being quite content to have a drink and return to their quarters. PROGRESS OF TROOPS. AUCKLAND, November 20. Satisfaction with the progress they had made was expressed to-day by the Chief of the General Staff (Major General J. E. Duigan) when addressing troops in camp at the Papakura mobilisation base. Earlier in the day General Duigan visited the Ngaruawahia camp, where he was equally pleased with the results achieved.