CANTEENS IN EGYPT

Grey River Argus, 9 January 1941, Page 3

CANTEENS IN EGYPT

N.Z. COMPLAINT Not so Good as Australian SAYS OPPOSITION LEADER. (Per Press Association] CHRISTCHURCH, January 8. The Leader of the Opposition, Mi S. G. Holland, has received complaints that canteen arrangements for New Zealand troops in Egypt are not 1 satisfactory. This is indicated in a letter sent by Mr Holland lo tli<' Prime Minister, Rl. Hon. P. Brasei. He compares arrangements made lor Australian troops, who, lie says, are supplied with many popular Australian brands of goods, with those made for New Zealanders. Mr Holland’s letter is as follows:—“I have received from many parts of New Zealand, as well as from my own electorate, a considerable number of complaints concerning canteen arrangements for our men in Egypt. Complaints have been so numerous and so general in character that 1 desire to urge that an exhaustive inquiry be immediately instituted, and appropriate remedies applied, so that our men can have efficient service at a reasonable cost. Complaints received all refer to extremely high prices and poor quality of most goods, but especially yl tobacco. It is pointed out 'that Australians have refused to have anything to do with what is known as the N.A.A.F.1., which apparently, controls the New Zealand canteens. Australians are running their own canteens, staffed with their own men, and stocked with many popular Australian brands of goods. Those arrangements are giving every satisfaction, whereas New Zealanders are dissatisfied, poorlyserviced and overcharged. Instances can be quoted of New Zealanders being charged almost double prices Australians have to pay for the same class of goods. I hope that immediate steps will be taken to investigate : fully these complaints so that our I men can be given as efficient service as appears to be provided by Australians for themselves. Our men are entitled to the very best we can give them, and I commend this matter to veur earnest consideration."