"WET" CANTEENS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23505, 16 November 1939, Page 8

"WET" CANTEENS

provision Approved LIGHT ALES ALLOWED NO SPIRITUOUS iIQUORS STRICT RULES PROPOSED [by telegraph—press* association"] "WELLINGTON, ."Wednesday Following a thorough and prolonged examination of all the various representations made to it and of all the factors involved, the Government has decided to establish wet canteens in military camps, the Minister of ijg. fence, the Hon. F. Jones, announced to-day. - ; . f

The Minister said there had been discussions with officers of the forces" social workers, returned soldiers and various representative men and women. An examination had been made also of the practice in other countries, and on the evidence it appeared that the provision of wet canteens, administered under strict rules of discipline, with sales confined to lighter ales and n 0 spirituous* liquors, would, having regard to all circumstances, he i n tho best interests of the soldiers.

Mr. Jones added that it was not proposed, however, to confine the service of the wet canteens to- the supply of ale. Provision would be. made for" the establishment of milk bars and cafeteria services and nothing would be done to encourage the consumption of ale in preference to milk shakes, soft drinks, tea and coffee. 1

The net profits, he added, would ba used for the benefit of the soldiers. It is expected that a wet canteen will be opened at Trentham to-morrow, and arrangements are being made to establish wet canteens in the other camps as soon as possible. PAPAKURA BUILDING SEATING FOR SIXTY MEN Wet and dry canteens will be accommodated in the one building at the new Papakura mobilisation base. At Ngaruar wahia, however, special arrangements will have to be made for the sale of beer, since the dry canteen is already inadequate for the business done. Control of the wet canteens will be placed with the Marketing Department, although behaviour .will be under strict military supervision. The department will also have charge of the theatre, cafeteria and "shop-block," for which provision is being .made at Papakura and Burnham. The Papakura canteen is on the list of extensions to the camp; to which immediate attention will be given, and a start will be made on it within a few days. It will take its place with the "shop-block'.' in the centre of the 200 ft, roadway area dividing the headquarters and battalion sections.

In addition to bar for the wet canteen and the counter for the dry section, the building will have, provision for tables and chairs in the centre. Accommodation for at least 60 will be provided by the tables. The building will be rectangular in shape, probably 46ft. in length and 21ftl"in breadth, with a door on each side. 1

METHODIST OPS'MITION "DETERRENT TO ENLISTMENT" [BY TELEGRAPH PRESS • ASSOCIATION] CHRISTCHURCH, Wednesday The North Canterbury Methodist' Synod carried the following resolution: "That we ask all congregations next Sunday to protest against the Government's action in establishing wet canteens in New Zealand military camps and communicate the result to the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, and local members of Parliament.

"That as the Government, under emergency regulations-, has decide! to establish wet canteens in direct opposition to the Defence Act* we declare our belief that such action is a deadly menace to the moral and physical efficiency of our soldiers. We regret that, in view of the national peril, tho Government has taken such a reactionary step, which may act as a deterrent to future enlistment."'