SUNDAY DRILL AND CANTEENS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14184, 9 April 1908, Page 5

SUNDAY DRILL AND CANTEENS

CONTROVERSY IN AUCKLAND.

(Per United Pbess Association.)

AUCKLAND, April 7. Tlie controversy on the canteen system was referred to by Colonel Wolfe in the course of conversation with a Star representative this , morning. "Personally speaking, I see no reason why canr-eeus 'Should he allowed in Volunteer camps," said the officer commanding, and thoro will certainly bo no canteen at- tho Easter cn'campment, which commences next. week. I have nothing in particular to 6ay against, tho canteen. It is just that I do not regard it as necessary. If countenanced, it is my opinion that the privilege would not ■be abused, but we are better otf without it. Tho last, canteen we had was in 1898, ami tho men showed such a .small desire, to partake of the inducements'offered that, the licensee in charge, of the booth lost money ' over it. Tho mor. have not asked for a canteen, and we aro not going to havo it in I his district."

Referring lo the ecclesiastical strictures passed on the practice followed while in camp on Sunday drill, Colonel Wolfe said ho could quite understand that, the. clergy were naturally zealous in their desire to maintain the sanctity of tho Sabbath, but ho thought there were times when they .'might very well devote their attention to matters more within their own domain. The oflicers in charge could bo relied upon to see that thero was no desecration of the Sabbath. " We invariably havo church parade,' said tho colonel, "and every man in camp is compelled to attend. I think I might,, reasonably .point'out "that many' aro thus compelled to attend divine service who aro never seen inside a church when off duty. Again, it is far better to have men perfecting themselves' in drill and disciplino than to havo them, picnicking,

boaling, or following .'ome other diversion. On the. last Sunday spent in Easter camp, if I remember rightly, there was church parade in Mho morning, and in the afternoon tho men were allowed to receive their friends. To prove that, there is an objection amongst the men to loafing about camp, it is inferesting to note, that before the afternoon was over a number of infantrymen camo and asked for work."

Canteen establishments will bo altached Raster manoeuvres in the Wellington district.