CIGARETTES.

Timaru Herald, Volume CI, Issue 15444, 5 September 1914, Page 9

CIGARETTES.

FORBIDDEN ON TROOPSHIPS

RISK OF FIRE TOO GREAT. tf'soa OcE SntOAJL COBBZSTONOXXT.) "WELLINGTON, Sept. 4A. prohibition of cigarette smoking on the troopships has been given by the military authorities, and a request for an explanation of this action was made in tho House of Representatives this evening by Mr J. S. Dickson. Ho explained that after inviting merchants to canteen the troopships according to an official list, including cigarettes, an order was issued that tobaeco in this form was not to be taken on the ships, as the general officer commanding was advised " that cigarette smoking is not only injurious to health, bat that on a crowded ship ft introduced a. grave element of danger from fire."

Mr Dickson remarked that cigaret were allowed on the Moeraki and Monowai, and were being sold at the camp canteens, whilo the canteens of the Australian ships were being stocked wi+Pf cigarettes.

The Minister for Defenoo replied that ho has been assured by General Oodtey that he considered the smokine of cigarettes tinsafo on troopships, and I L-eW injure th-o health of r h'~* nu-*u. Considering only the risk of fire. Mr Allen said be had no other course than tr> allow the fJpnenil's order to stand.— fMembers: Hear, hear.). GIFTS FOR THE TROOPS. CIVIL AGENT IN ENGLAND. A question regarding th<- proposed appointment of a civil agent in land to act as an intermediary (>ctw««n the New Zealand forces and the-ir friends was asked by Mr .). A. Young (\VaiFiato> in the- Houso of R>--presentatives this evening. Th»« Minister for Defence saiti he coulei not give a definite reply, as the matter was under consideration. i!>- remarked that the arrangements in Sonth Africa were entirely unsatisfactory. Many things, such as a d'>z»-n of soda water, were sent to the troops that never reached them. Ic iva.s proposed to ask th:> High ('ornmtssion'-r to make arrangements for the tecept>rtt and the distribntfon of anv fur the troops. A list would Ive pared for the ii>form,ition of the • irv lfr of articles which could be nsefttllv wrct to the men.