The Southland Times. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1939. Wet Canteens for Soldiers

Southland Times, Issue 23975, 16 November 1939, Page 4

The Southland Times. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1939. Wet Canteens for Soldiers

THE Government’s decision to establish wet canteens in the military camps will probably be approved by most persons in New Zealand apart from those who believe that liquor is an evil thing in all places and in all circumstances. Opinions of this kind deserve the respect that should be given to convictions freely held in a democratic country, although only while they remain separated from the desire to compel their general acceptance. In the controversy that has been carried on, rather half-heartedly, over the question of wet canteens the issue is distinct from the wider aspects of prohibition. What had to be decided was simply whether men over 21 years of age were to be excluded from a social privilege which is taken as a matter of course in civilian life. It is true that military training implies a discipline and a reduction of personal freedom which the average volunteer would not tolerate outside the gates of a camp. But the comparative strictness of control is used for the sole purpose of gaining the efficient coordination of action without which an army must quickly fail as a fighting machine. Any use of authority that contributes nothing to this purpose, but is merely an unnecessary interference with personal liberties, has always led to a tacit resistance and a weakening of morale. It was found during the last war that soldiers who were unable to obtain liquor in their camps usually found ways of obtaining it outside, with results that included excessive drinking by some men during leave, a frequent defiance of army regulations, and the introduction of abuses which increased the difficulties of the camp authorities. Question of Prices

The new system will be strictly controlled. Younger men will be exposed to no more temptation than that which existed for them in civilian life: in one way the temptation may be smaller, for military authority will prevent intemperance. The introduction of wet canteens is therefore an innovation that should lead to an improvement in the conditions of military life. (Actually it is an innovation only as far as this country is concerned, for the system is used in the British Army, and was adopted by the Australian Expeditionary Force in its overseas camps.) But there is one point which should not be left without criticism. According to the Minister of Defence the net profits at the canteen will be used “for the benefit of the soldiers.” Why should there be net profits? Surely the benefit most likely to be appreciated by the soldiers would be a reduction in price. This applies also to the sale of cigarettes, confectionery and other goods at military canteens. The Government is the shopkeeper, and bulk purchases must allow it to collect a handsome profit. In all cases the plea is that the money is to be handed back to the soldiers in the form of benefits, apparently of the kinds thought desirable by the authorities. But the men in camp are not earning big money. Many of them have given up well-paid jobs; others have a great part of their pay deducted for the maintenance of dependents. If the Government really wants to make concessions it should see that the soldiers are allowed to keep as much as possible of the money they are earning in the service of their country. It seems a paltry thing to exact full prices from men who are already making a sufficient sacrifice.