“TREATING" TROOPERS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8852, 1 October 1914, Page 7

“TREATING" TROOPERS

To the Editor “N.Z. Times.”

Sir, —Kindly permit me to appeal through you to the citizens of Wellington scrupulously to avoid the mistaken kindness of treating member? of the expeditionary force to intoxicants. I understand that the military authorities have strongly warned tho men against the practice; but the warning needs public backing. Only this morning we read of a young trooper who has got himself into trouble by resistance to the police. I do ■ not say, for Ido not know, that in this particular instance the blame lies with some thoughtlessly kind citizens. But I am informed by a credible witness that he has himself seen troopers “taken by the arm and led into bars, because they have refused verbal persuasion, and that in some instances men who have never tasted strong drink before, have been so treated by citizens.” Ido not know what penalty the military authorities impose for intoxication; but I should not be surprised to learn that in some instances, at least the penalty is dismissal from tho service. Yet our troopers are not social outcasts. They are the pick of the young manhood of New Zealand, to whom wo are looking with pride and confidence to render efficient aid to the Empire in the very crisis of its fate. It is probably why a few who find themselves unable to resist the solicitations of friends; but even so, surely citizens can find some saner, nobler way of showing appreciation and goodfellowship than by overpersuading them to break the* regulations of a most honourable service and to degrade themselves. —I am, etc.,-. THE BISHOP OF WELLINGTON. P.S.—I have just learnt that the wives of Cabinet Ministers have set up a committee to provide for the entertainment of the troops, and would, I am sure, be glad to receive contributions.