LICENSING LAWS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 108, 8 May 1943, Page 4

LICENSING LAWS

Mr L E Falkner, on behalf of , thcf New 'Zealand Alliance, endeavours to side-track my assertion that its influence prevents any genuine attempt to improve our licensing laws. His bias against intoxicating liquor is such that after—is it 40 years?-, he can only claim three "improvements," of which one is to most other people a considerable cause of our present troubles. Has the Alliance ever come forward with genuine proposals? Has it ever attempted to promote the proper use of intoxicating liquor? Does it ever preach moderation and toleration? what, substitutes does it propose for the convivial glass. Has Mr. Falfcner ever travelled and observed the customs of other countries? How much drunkenness is there in France and Italy — wine-drinking countries? Surely he knows • that "public opinion" there looks down on the individual who cannot take his wine: Finally, he has a tilt at New Zealand wine that is most unjustified, as he overlooks the fact that there are legislative provisions to meet most of his complaints. Why not be reasonable, and let those : who are preparing to, defend our country, have reasonable privileges? Let the so-called Christians practise temperance and remember that forbidden fruit is always the. sweetest and most tempting, and that repression leads to abuses. N. R. W. THOMAS.. If we and, our city, fathers cannot deal effectively with those who break our laws, how-can we hope to ■ cope with a greater evil that may invade our shores? Our answer to the slygrog sellers appears to mean! "Since we cannot contro? your actions, we shall legalise the sale of intoxicating liquors to a late hour and so legalise your business." After the fall of Singapore I heard the Japanese boast that their soldiers were under strict discipline, and added that no army could win battles on chainpagne and beer. Rather a nasty insinuation. Let us keep New Zealand sober and watchful. MARY OATES.