LOOKING AFTER OUR BOYS

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3524, 15 May 1912, Page 5

LOOKING AFTER OUR BOYS

TERRITORIALS AND THEIR CAMPS. THE CHRISTCHURCH ALLEGATIONS GENERAL GODLEY’S ATTITUDE. By Telegraph—Special Correspondent. WELLINGTON, May 14. The complaints of the Christchurch Prohibition League concerning Territorial camps which have been held in proximity to hotels; of alleged drunkenness at certain camps ; and or alleged objectionable behaviour of certain Territorials at the Templeton and Rangiora Camps : which were forwarded to General Godley, have been replied to by the Commandant. In the course of a lengthy letter to the press, General Godley says: “It has always been my earnest desire that every effort should be made to prevent liquor being introduced into camps, and, indeed,_ the penalties attached to this misdemeanour are severe. “I therefore regret exceedingly to hear of the scenes you describe, hut, on the other hand, before one delivers judgment on so serious a case it is necessary to hear what the other side lias to say, for the allegations on the one side are so wide that we must be careful that the zeal which stimulates it may not lead to exaggeration or be misled by appearances. Besides, we must bear in mind that the good name of the regiments is at stake, and we must not condemn a very large body of well-behaved men because of the alleged sms of a few, any more than we should defame a community because there happens to lie a drunkard in its midst. “In justice, therefore, to the regiments whose good name is now. in question through the accusation brought against them by members of ’vour League, I propose to bold a verv strict inquiry in order to establish the truth or otherwise or these accusations, and also that we may in future know bow to prevent such irregularities if _ the inquiry brings such facts to light. . . “It is my very strong opinion that if more influence was brought to bear bv those who come in contact with boys and young men durin«r their daily lives that much good could be done to improve them mor ally, and the assistance which would, be'thus rendered to our efforts would be most valuable. It must be remembered that those responsible for the carrying out ot the Defence scheme have so far seen onlv verv little of the young men and bovs with whom they have to deal that is during drills, parades, and the annual camp.” c: \s regards tlie holding or tlie camps near licensed premises, this lias been avoided as much as possible, and steps will be taken m future to avoid it altogether, ha. - ing regard to the exigencies ot the service.”