SOLDIERS AND LIQUOR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16203, 13 April 1916, Page 7

SOLDIERS AND LIQUOR.

"WET" CANTEENS URGED.

EARLY CLOSING OF HOTELS.

MINISTERS AGAINST BOTH.

I REPLY TO A DEPUTATION.

[BY TFXEGBAPH.— COIURESI'OXDEXT.I

Wellington', Wednesday. A deputation representing tho War Necessities Committee waited upon the Primo Minister and the Minister for Defence, at Parliament House to-day, and urged, first, tho establishment of "wet'-' canteens in military camps, and, second, early closing of hotel bars.

In tlio course of his reply, Mr. Massev said a great deal of stress had' been laid upon the opinions of the military authorities. Ho had approached the matter with a strictly unbiassed mind, and, before making up his mind, he had obtained the opinions of military authorities in New Zealand—the opinions of two men who had had most to do with the training of soldiers, and they both agreed that the "wet" canteen would not bo consistent with, or eondncivo to, the proper training of soldiers. Up to that time his personal opinion had been rather in favour of the "wet" canteen than otherwise, but tho deputation would sco that he, as head of tho Government, could not bo expected to advocate a "wet" canteen after he had obtained those opinions. If he thought for one moment that a "wet" canteen was the remedy for some of the evils that existed, ho would agree with the deputation's proposal, but ho was quite sure it was not a remedy, and that it would be ft mistake to establish a "wet" canteen in the camps. Mr. Massey said lie wished he could show the deputation polico reports he had received on the proposal to close hotels earlier than at present. There wero certain establishments where liquor was sold which it vjas impossible for the police, here or in any other country, to suppress, This was a matter that would have to bo dealt with by Cabinet. If it was decided that it was advisable that hotels should close earlier, Parliament would be asked to pass the necessary legislation. He hoped no impression would go abroad that our soldiers were addicted to drunkenness.

Voices: No, no.

Mr. Massey's Pride in the.Troops.

The Prime Minister referred to the fact that he had seen the departure of troops who had been placed on their honour to reassemble after having six hours leave. Ho had been exceedingly anxious when the proposal was submitted to him. Ho had gone down to the wharf at 11 oclock, not as Prime Minister, but as one of the citizens of the country, and after what ho saw he felt prouder of the troops than ever before. Restrictions regarding the sale of liquor would be submitted to Parliament with a view to tho better control of liquor during the war, and there would be no discrimination between soldier and civilian. (Hear, bear.) He and Mr. Allen would have pleasure in submitting proposals made to Cabinet, but after consulting the military authorities he thought a "wet" canteen would be a retrograde step. He did not think it would bo agreed to.

"A Retrograde Step."

Ths Hon. James Allen said that as a military authority of nearly thirty years' experience in regard to the "wet" canteen, ho unhesitatingly said it would be a great j blunder if the " wet canteen were introduced into New Zealand. Egypt had not licensing laws and some of the liquor sold there was abominable. That was why the "yet" canteen was established in Egypt, much against General Godley's wish. It was asked that hotels should be closed at seven o'clock, but they wore not going to be closed to troops and not to other people. Mr. Allen said he knew of nothing that would be a remedy except prohibition, but what wou\d the men bo like if they could get absolutely no !'quor here when they were confronted with-ail the attractions of Egypt? An effort was made to train men to resist the evils of Egypt, He thought it would be a retrograde step to establish a " wet" canteen and close the hotels, if it meant the magnifying of evils that already existed.