CANTEENS IN EGYPT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24506, 15 January 1941, Page 6

CANTEENS IN EGYPT

QUALITY AND PRICE OF GOODS REPLY TO MR HOLLAND INVESTIGATION UNDERTAKEN (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, Jan. 14.. The' reply which the Prime Minister, Mr P. Fraser, has made to the statements by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr S. G. Holland, regarding complaints that have reached him of the quality and prices of goods available at the canteens in Egypt was released by. Mr- Fraser to-day. . In his letter to Mr Holland Mr Fraser says: "I note your statement that you have received from many parts of New Zealand as well as f'-pm your own electorate a considerable number of complaints concerning the canteen arrangements for our boys in Egypt. As a matter of fact during the past ten days several instances of complaints of a similar nature have also been brought to the notice of the Minister of Defence, Mr F] Jones, and another member of the War Cabinet, and just prior to your letter coming to hand inquiries had already been instituted and General Freyberg had been communicated with in regard to the running of the Canteens' Association with the New Zealand, forces in Egypt. The Minister of defence also discussed the subject With Sir John Duigan, who returned recently from a visit to the New Zealand troops in Egypt. The matter was not brought before Sir John Duigan during his visit, and he was not informed of any complaints." . '. ' . The letter continues by asking Mr Holland to enumerate the specific grievances so that the War Cabinet may have an opportunity of thoroughly checking up on the matters mentioned by him and states that Mr Fraser would appreciate a detailed reply as he and all his colleagues were anxious that the men overseas should enjoy the best possible conditions. The "Naafi" canteen system that was in operation throughout the whole of the British Army had been adopted on the strong recommendation of General Freyberg, the letter states, and now that some complaints had been made not only were they being investigated, but the whole question of the canteen system was being raised with General Freyberg. whose concern for the welfare of all the men under his command could not be surpassed.