MILITARY CANTEENS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6491, 10 April 1908, Page 8

MILITARY CANTEENS

SOME OBJECTIONS. THE ALLIANCE SPEAKS. As sot out in a recent issue of the “Times” the defence regulations provide for canteens in military camps. The regulations as quoted are severe. It is wbrthy of note that although the, ; emulations apparently prohibit the establishment of a canteen in a prohibition district a canteen was l at one time established in such a district, tho cificor commanding sued and liis contention that he had a right to tho possession of a canteen for his troops upheld. The Rev. F. W. Isitt has oSjjressod the opinion that Ihe excitement of manoeuvres might tempt volunteers to use the canteen. Mr Isitt said “Wo have not. recovered from the baleful effects of the Boer war upon a lot of our young fellows who joined the contingents, but who came back tor "New Zealand demoralised by the canteens. A chaplain of the forces, wiio is not by any means a demonstrative prohibitionist, assured mo that ho was terribly distressed by the demoralisation of the soldiers in Boor war by the canteens. Some Of our contingents who left here for the war gave way to drinking as soon as ever they reached Australia, en route to South Africa, where they completed their demoralisation. You may rest assured that the Alliance. will most strenuously oppose tho introduction of canteens to the. Wellington Esster manoeuvres.” COUNCIL OF CHURCHES. Tho Rev. J. J. North has said that the Council of Churches will do all in its power to got the permission for canteens withdrawn, and with this purpose in view will send a deputation to the Minister. Under the regulations it ia apparent that until the regulations are revoked the only way to do away with canteens is to bring pressure to bear upon the officers commanding any force having a. canteen as part of its equipment. Moral suasion must have been used on the officers commanding at Auckland inducing them to forego the right existing' under regulations. A RESOLUTION. At last evening’s meeting of the N.Z. Alliance for tlie suppression of the liquor traffic the following resolution was carried:—This meeting of the Alliance Executive expresses its deep regret at the announcement of tho retrograde step taken by Lieut. Col. Banchop in giving an order for two canteens in connection, with the Volunteer Easter Encampment. Seeing that for ten years past no canteen has btqon permitted in "Wellington, and seeing that the Auckland Commandant has resolved to abolish tho canteen in that district, the Alliance believes that the step now taken is opposed to the traditions of the local volunteer force, and to the best interests of military discipline, as well as to the trOnd of popular opinion in the Dominion.