TERRITORIAL GASPS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVI, Issue 117, 15 May 1912, Page 5

TERRITORIAL GASPS.

AJ.LEGATIONS OF DRINKING,

GENERAL GODLEY IN REPLY.

[PItESS ASSOCIATION.]

WELLINGTON. May Li. Replying to the complaints oi the ChuaicJiurch Prohibition--League concerning .the alleged-drinking at Territorials canps, and objectionableconduct sit the lemplcton and Rangioi'a Cc'uwps, General Godley, in the course- of a long letter, says that it lias been his earnest desire that an effort be mada to prevent liquor being iniiioduood to the camps, and heavy penalties were provided for this misdemeanor. A very strict inquiry would be held to establish the- truth or otherwise of the statement, because the -good-minis' or the. regiment was at .stake. The defence scheme was only in its infancy, and difficulties for the smooth running of the machine at the start wero great. It iuay be that a, certain number, for want of discipline and self restraint, bshavod in the ■•'manner described;- but the officers do all iv their power by example and precept to instil in the minds of the young men the physical arid moral disabilities -that ensue from driuking intoxicating liquors. The holding of fiattips near licensed premises has "oetfn avoided as much. a» possible, and where suoh a thing is unavoidable in -the future steps will be taken to prevent fche men from approaching licons&d premises. The efforts to improve tiie-young men who go into the ramps could be immensely assisted by sympathisers outside of the military organisations. . \-