THE INTEMPERANCE OF NOLICENSE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 203, 25 August 1908, Page 3

THE INTEMPERANCE OF NOLICENSE.

(To the Editor.) -Sir,—The statement ;of the Rev. H. L. F. Palmer (late of Sydney, but now under engagement to orate as to the New Zealand Alliance), when he referred to Fleet Week in Auckland as a "Bacchanalian orgy" is a gross exaggeration. Though drunkenness is greatly to be deplored, and a remedy,, necessary, there are offences that are as far-reaching in their injurious effects on the lives of the people. What misery, wretchedness, and unhappiness have often resulted from misrepresentation, exaggeration, and slander! It has cost the separation, and broken up the homes of many a couple, and cannot be deprecated too much. The conduct of the American officers and men was acknowledged by the police force, Mr. C. C. Kettle, Mr. Leonard Isitt, and others holding official positions, to be most exemplary. Mr. C. C. Kettle remarked that he "was pleased to see so few persons brought forward on a charge of drunkenness. Mr. Leonard Isitt, a temperance lecturer, describes the behaviour of the American Fleet as "wonderful." The percentage of drunkenness was remarkably small. Yet the Rev. H. L. F. Palmer sees fit to strike a blow at the Fleet v/e welcomed so gladly, cementing closer the bonds of friendship by so doing. His high calling should teach him the necessity of exercising charity towards all men—even to those who differ from him in their belief that there is a far better remedy in combating drunkenness than in legislative compulsion—and toleration, which permits all men to be guided by' the dictates of their own conscience, and without which the principle of Christian freedom is so seriously menaced. The abuse and not the use of stimulants is the evil to be remedied. I do not believe the Prohibitionists right in theirs demand to control all men because of the abuse of stimulants, by one per cent of the community—the remaining 99 per cent, coming under the same measure, must also be coerced. This is tyranny, and more—far more to be dreaded than drunkenness. The good of mankind never was and never will be subserved by laws limiting men s opportunities for activity so that they may no longer choose for tnemselves between richt and wrong. Elevate the ideals of the people; lessen the strenuousness of industrial and commercial life; improve the surroundings of the poor; tea-men to rely on their strength of character, finding temperance in their will-power, °nd you will find that the result will be the production of a better race.-I am, etc -' ADA E. GOODSON.