CONTROL OF CAMP CANTEENS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16963, 24 September 1918, Page 6

CONTROL OF CAMP CANTEENS.

SUCCESS OF STATE MANAGEMENT. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWS corhespoxdent.] WELLINGTON, Monday. It Is probable that the Trentham camp canteen, which, up to the present, has been run by a private contractor will be taken over by th«, Defence Department on the expiry of the present contract at the end of October. It is understood that the question of the buildings, etc., is now being investigated, with "a view to this course being taken. Ever since the establishment cf Trentham camp, in 1914, the 'canteen has been under private management, the privileges being let by contract. The revenue derived from this source has been paid to various units, pro rata, for their recreation and other funds. In the course of four.years many thousands ofi pounds have been received and allocated in this way. In November, 1917, the Government assumed management of the canteens at Featherston and Tauherenikau camps, and it was stated that if the experiment proved successful Trentham would be treated similarly. At Featherston the management was placed in the hands of a special Canteen Committee. Prices of most lines were reduced almost immediately by as much as 25 per cent., and yet it was found' that there was a fairly substantial profit for the regimental funds, though,, natu rally, not the same amount as when the contract-letting system was in operation, and when soldiers paid higher prices. At Featherston the canteen was staffeu"by home-service men, paid from the canteen funds. It is now acknowledged that the Departmental management has provided an efficient service at a lower cost than formerly. t