CANTEEN CONTROL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 253, 25 September 1939, Page 12

CANTEEN CONTROL.

PROFITS FOR MEN. SUGGESTION BY 11.5. A. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND. Sept. 23. 'Die establishment of “wet” canteens at every camp is being strongly urged by the executive of the Auckland Returned Soldiers’ Association. It is also proposed that full control of the canteens should be given by the State to the Dominion Returned Soldiers’ Association, and that all profits be taken into a general fund for the supply of comforts and relief to men on their return. The object is to ensure that the men themselves get the benefit of the proceeds from their own spending, and not private organisations. This move is one of a series being undertaken by the executive. All are based on the members’ own experiences as soldiers, and an important consideration said by the president (Mr J. W. Kendall) to be guiding them is the knowledge that, like the children of other people, some of their own sons may bo required to pass through what they experienced 25 years ago'. In response to a request from the Dominion body for suggestions, the Auckland executive has considered every aspect of camp life and active service conditions abroad. The recommendations resulting have been made with a view to safeguarding the interests of the men wild are about to enter military service. The recommendation for the establishment of “wet” canteens, said Mr Kendall, was based on the ground that the men who are enlisting will not be under 21 years of age as some were in the last war, and consequently, they ai-e entitled to full adult civilian rights. In addition, however, the executive favours the establishment also of “dry” canteens. It is urged that the Government should erect a suitable building in each main camp to house a “dry” canteen, and also to provide reading and writing rooms. The same control as for “wet” canteens is urged for the “dry” ones. The executive considers that urgent steps must be taken if it is to be ensured that the pro--1 fits from all canteens ale te.H’; demoted to the benefit of the men (.ternselves instead of going to swell the 'funds of private bodies.