THE TERRITORIALS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXI, Issue LXII, 14 May 1912, Page 7

THE TERRITORIALS.

CHARGES OF ALLEGED DRINKING

BY TELEaEAtB*—PEES9 ASSOCIATION.

WELLINGTON, May 14. Replying to the complaints of the Chasichm'ch Prohibition League concerning: the alleged drinking in Territorial camps* and objectionable conduct at the Templeton • and Rangiora camps, General' Gpdley, in the course of a long letter says: "It has been my earnest desire that every effort should be made to rpreS'eni liquor being introduced into «amps, and. heavy.penalties provided fc* ;any misdemeanoi\ A very strict eu•quiry would.be held to establish the truth or otherwise of the statements, 'because the good, name of the regiment us at stake. The defence scheme is only iin its infancy, and the difficulties in the way of the smooth running of the machine at the start are great. It may 'certainly be that a number who, for want of discipline and self-restraint, behaved in the manner described, but the officers do all in their power-by example and precept to instal in the minds of the young men the physical and moral disabilities that ensue from drinking intoxicating liquors. Holding camps near licensed premises had been avoided as much as possible. Where such a thing is unavoidable in future steps will be taken to prevent the men from approaching licensed premises. The efforts to improve the young men who go into camps could be immensely assisted by sympathise7's outside of the military or.ganisation."