"MY BROTHER'S KEEPER."

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7813, 4 June 1909, Page 4

"MY BROTHER'S KEEPER."

To tho Editor. Sir, —Your leader dealing with Lord Gharlcs Beresford's sane remarks coi> corning " Alcohol and the Navy, could well be developed, especially with reference to the difficulty of obtaining recruits for the army through tho preponderance of tho "unfit." But more capable writers than I am may express .opinions and quote facts anent this subject. Will you, however, permit an appeal to some members of our community who, it may be unconsciously, are exerting ah influence on most unpatriotio and un-Christian lines. There are men m our midst who more or less bravely are endeavouring under the ! most favourable conditions to give up the drink habit acquired m days gone by. So ' long as social functions which they attend and hospitality extended are* minus alcoholic beverages, these men of our British nation are the best of husbands and brothers, capable, industrious and persevering;. Yet through the thoughtlessness, and sometimes guilty conduct of a section of those m various circles, alcoholic drinks are offered —nay, sometimes pressed upon—these victims of an unworthy custom. The result is neglect of work, inefficiency for life's duties, and, with a sense of shame, coupled with the distress of relations and acquaintances, the battle is once more commenced, to be met again and again with a repetition of temptation from those who, if they, would only give the subject five minutes' reflection, would rather cut off the hand that offers the fateful glass. The Old Book's teaching is still available and equally forceful as it was centuries ago when it was recorded that he "who sows the wind will reap tho whirlwind," and n woe \mto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and maketh him drunken." From a Christian standpoint, from social and national considerations. I trust my fellow citizens will realise that each is indeed his " brother's keeper." GRENADIER.