SIXTH CONTINGENT SEND-OFF.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 15, 18 January 1901, Page 2

SIXTH CONTINGENT SEND-OFF.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—Though not a total abstainer nor a prohibitionist, I am glad to see the stand made by the tempcranc-i members of the committee to have no intoxicants at the entertainment to be given to our volunteers. Lord Roberts and the commandants' and officers' opinion of this matter should be respected. It would be a pity to spoil the send-off by seeing several of the men incapable of behaving themselves .on leaving our shores. The large majority of the vo'untee.rs would be quite satisfied to have a good luncheon with tea or coffee or other temperance drinks. I hope the committee will decide for temperance for the sake cf a few who have not learned proper selfcontrol.—l am, etc.,

J. P. PHONERLE,

( To the Editor.)

Sir,-_ was very much surprised at reading in the "Herald" a suggestion made by some of our leading citizens as to giving free drlnßs to our boys ot" the Contingent previous to their departure to South Africa. Now, on an occasion like this, any man with common sense must know what it will lead to. I am neither a prohibitionist nor a teetotaller, but I will uphold what Old-"Bobs'' says: "It is mistaken kindness." In the way of refreshments by all means give them a good, sound, square meal, with a glass of beer to wash it down, for it is very likely it will be the last square meal they will get again until the war Is over, and from what I know of the colonial youth they will appreciate it far more than by giving them alcoholic liquors. Their comrades at the front are fighting nobly and main-' taining the credit of the colony, and our boys who are about leaving us will, I am > sure, strive thtir utmost to do the same. Do not let us now undermine the _ood work they are doing by placing temptation in their way. It will be a sore trial I know, when the hour of departure draws near, in bidding good bye to their nearest and dearest; but if a man cannot keep his spirits up without putting spirits down, ' then I say let that man stay at home. We don't want to send men to the front with Hutch courage, as our colonial youths are not built that way.—l am, etc., W. JOHNSTON. Cook-street.