RUN TO EARTH.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16471, 14 March 1919, Page 2

RUN TO EARTH.

RECKLESS FINANCE THREATENS NEW ZEALAND. Faking figures .to fog issues is a meanness to which only desperate, men defending lost causes will resort. At this'critical time with the largest national -issues at stake the only check on the wildest financial bloomer is the cost of advertising it. That for a trade which turns over £5,000,000 a year-on the smallest wage' bill in the country is a bagatelle. In their attempt to cow the taxpayer, the trade_ advertise in. 1 thick type that Prohibition would involve a loss through the Customs 08 £1,500,000 a year. The Governmenti department just furnished a complete account of last year's Customs returns including beer, tax, and whafc the Trade did give to the Treasury in exchange for £5,000,000 spent over their bars was £850,000, ]>ot £1,500,C00. which was blatantly advertised. A direct cost to the country for clearing up last year's liquor mess was estimated by competent authorities at £555.000. The cost to the country through lost andl shortened lives and through injured efficiency was incalculable.' The Government's business experts say "That ifl you want cheaper living you simply* must root out the liquor extravagance." To do so STRIKE OUT THE' TOPI LINE FOR SURE ON APRIL 10th. 23