TRENTHAM CANTEEN

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 10084, 24 September 1918, Page 6

TRENTHAM CANTEEN

PROBABLE DEPARTMENTAL CONTROL. It is probable that the Trentham Camp canteen, wnich lias up to mo been run by private contract, will be taken over by the Eelence Department on the expiry of me present contract at the end of October. It is understood that the question of buildings is now being investigated with a view to this course being* taken. Ever since tire establishment of Trentham Camp in 1914, the canteen has been under private management, the canteen privileges being let by contract. The revenue derived iruiu this source has been paid to the various I units pro rata for their recreation end I other funds. In the course of four years | many thousands of pounds have been received and allocated 111 this way. On November 15th, 1917,, the Government assumed the management of the canteens at Peatherston and Tauherenikau camps’, and it was then stated that, if tiie experiment proved successful, Trentham would bo similarly treated. At Peatherston the management was placed in the hands of a special canteen committee, comprising Captain Fairbairn (president), Major Ryder, and Captain Smith. Prices of most lines were reduced almost immediately by as much ns 25 per cent., yet it was found that there was a fairly substantial profit for the regimental funds, though naturally lot the same amount as when the contractletting system was in operation and the soldiers paid higher prices for the c; nteen goods. At Peatherston the canteen was staffed by home service men (paid from the canteen funds), and a system of coupon sales was instituted. It is iow acknowledged that the departmental management has provided efficient service, and at a lower cost than .formerly, to thiv canteen patron. It is assumed that the same system will be inaugurated at Trentham, with such modifications as Peatherston experience has suggested.