THE DEPUTATION TO THE MAYOR.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 207, 30 August 1905, Page 10

THE DEPUTATION TO THE MAYOR.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—The perusal oi the correspondence emanating from the press in connection with the squabble originating with the prohibitionists* deputation ln its obtrusion on the City Council leads naturally to certain reflections as to the why and the wherefore. It may possibly have occurred to others besides the writer that the "lines of least resistance" might have been taken in former years, when other Mayors occupied the civic chair, and whose predilections would perhaps have been more favourable to the wishes of the deputation; but it certainly does seem a violation of common courtesy to embarrass a good citizen by requesting bis signature and countenance to that which would necessitate the destruction of his interests. But fanaticism and bigotry have no sense of proportion, and the question appears to have degenerated into one of milk and tea versus malt and hops, while the theological element is helplessly divided. Hogarth, in his works, conveys a good idea of the customs of his time, and some may contend that the 'Svorld went very well then," seeing that the nation onwards has held its own against the world, and it is reasonable to infer that it has not receded morally nor physically since that period. But to enlarge on a question involving the freedom and commonsense of the individual as to what he shall eat or what he shall drink is toe huge a matter to settle off-hand; but the man is apt to kick when certain of his fellows presume to interfere with sumptuary customs affecting himself. It goe_ without saying that excess in all things is bad, including excess of zeal by intolerant and injudicious cliques, whom it may not be amiss to remind that many of the worst scoundrels in the world have been —what shall we say?—"abstainers" ! Oh! shade of Father Mathew, what are we all coming to? Have we been merely time" since your day am, etc., DIOGENES.