DRINK IN CAMPS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22675, 12 March 1937, Page 12

DRINK IN CAMPS

PUBLIC WORKS JOBS CHALLENGE BY MINISTER , ALL PRECAUTIONS TAKEN FEW INSTANCES DISCOVERED Reports of excessive drinking in Kaikoura by men employed at the public works camps, referred to at a meeting of the Wairau Licensing Committee by the charnmn, Mr. T. E. Maunsell, S.M., were challenged last night by the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. It. Sernple. "Mr. Maunsell's statement is only based on rumour, and my investigations so far prove that these rumours are not well-founded; in fact, that they are untrue," Mr. Semjle said. The Minister said that Mr. E. Meaclien, the member of Parliament for Wairau, and one of the Minister's co-opted members, who paid frequent visits to the public works jobs in the district, had just completed a tour of the northern end of the line. Ho reported that the progress made, and the conduct of the men, were extremely good. Mr. Meachen had telephoned the Minister last night to say that there was 110 truth in the statements.

Watchful Eye Kept

"There was some drinking on the other end of the line which I dealt with myself," Mr. Semple added. "I instructed the engineer to discharge any man who brought liquor on the job. Otie was discharged, and I sent his liquor back myself from the station to the brewery, a case of seven dozen. I instructed the engineer to keep a watchful eye, arid if he got any whisper of liquor to make investigations and sack if necessary. "Since this, another man has been sacked for bringing drink into, the camp. We are watching it very carefully at both ends. We have also posted notices warning any workmen bringing liquor into tho camp that he is instantly dismissed. "Everything that can be done has been done to keep these camps clean," Mr. Semple. continued. "In fairness to the great majority of tho men, they are a fine, steady group, and what drinking we have discovered has been confined to a very few. Not Expected to be Saints

"I have asked Mr. Meachen to-night to make further investigations. The men on all the jobs know my views 011 the question. I do not ask them to be saints; they are the ordinary type of men .you will meet in overy-day life, and, indeed, are entitled to take a glass of ale if they want it, in moderation. We do not say that they shall be prohibitionists, but we do insist that constructional camps, where women and children and sober men live are not to be disturbed by excessive drinking, and we are determined whenever we find this to stamp it out.

"I romember the time when constructional camps were drinking and gambling dens," Mr. Semple added. "This is not so to-day.".