Adulterating Drink

Feilding Star, Volume V, Issue 26, 4 March 1884, Page 2

Adulterating Drink

In the Nelson Evening Mail of the 27th ult., "An Observer" writes on the subject of suicidov and murder* committed under the maddening influence of drink, and says : — *' It used not to be so formerly when we got good wholesome beer from malt and hops, nnd spirit* made from gram or the juico of the grape, but everything is adulterated with the most noxious and poisonous drugs to such an extent nowadays that the smallest quantity of liquor mounts to tho head and causes delirium. The only way I s«e of putting a stop to this nefarious trade is to have regular Government Inspectors to go through New Zealand at different times, and test by analysis all liquors made in or imported into the country, and confiscate all articles, including tea found adulterated or sold under false names." The idea is a good one, but it would be first necessary to eliminate from Parliament all traders and importers who i are so deeply interested in the liqnor trade before any Government would dare to pass a Bill giving effect to it. It is a pleasure to quote from a writer who has the good taste to put the blame on the right shoulders, and tc exonerate the mere retail vendors of the liquor. I ■