LIQUOR IN CAMPS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3550, 14 June 1912, Page 5

LIQUOR IN CAMPS.

‘‘AN EXAGGERATED ALLEGATION.” GENERAL GODLEY REASSURES PARENTS. [PEE PEESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, June 13. General G'odley, Commandant of the Forces, lias reported to the Minister of Defence on the inquiry recently made into the allegations made by the Christchurch Prohibition League of drunkenness and irregularities in connection with the Territorial camps in the Canterbury District. After having reviewed circumstances at some length the Commandant concludes :

‘T am of opinion'that though there are proved to have been six cases of men who were under influence of liquor during the period of training in the camp of the two regiments it cannot be said that the behaviour and bearing of these Territorials were other than exemplary. I therefore consider the general allegation against these camps by the Prohibiition League of Christchurch to be exaggerated, and that the implied condemnation of a large number of men of unimpeachable character for the misconduct of very few is not justified. At the same time I would like to make it- clear I am iu entire sympathy-with the efforts of the Prohibition League to ensure that camps should be free or any irregularities, and that parents may have confidence that their sons will not be subjected to temptation, and lam glad"to assist it in every way in my power. It is with this in View the present inquiry was instituted. Finally it- is my intention in .the future to make every effort to have camps established out of reach of licensed premises.”