POINTS FROM OTHER LETTERS

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23804, 25 November 1942, Page 4

POINTS FROM OTHER LETTERS

“E.8.P.” (Ashburton) agrees with ‘.‘T.A.S.” and “Fair Play” that the best way we can show our appreciation of the New Zealanders in the Middle East is to have them sent home. On the same subject, “1.R.” writes: “I heartily agree, for when men have spent two or three years in the terrific heat, in about the worst of places, with dust storms, sand, and, worst of ■ all, the flies, isn’t it high time they got a break and came home?” "Nationalist” > suggests that as "Christchurch East is definitely a Labour stronghold and the only chance of an independent or Nationalist candidate Would be on a minority vote, owing to vote-splitting,” it would appeal to the sporting instincts of the electors if official Labour and Democratic Labour candidates were allowed a clear contest without other candidates in the field. “C.V.H.,” on “Beer,” says: “In the crusade that is going on at the moment about excessive drinking, the argument is weak—far weaker than the beer we have to drink. Both lack the punch.” , "Common Sense” asks; “If beer and other alcoholic drinks are not injurious, why do total abstainers obtain more favourable terms from life insurance societies? When an accident occurs, what is almost the first question asked? Had the person concerned taken any—tea? coffee? milk? Of course, not those, but, had he taken any alcohol? We want our fine boys fit. Alcohol will only hinder, never help.” “A.L.” writes: “Even a Methodist Synod member might applaud your sub-leader on beer—with reservations. It supports a stricter enforcement of the licensing laws, condemns preferential transport facilities to liquor interests, and strongly, though conditionally, supports Synod’s endeavour to have temperance teaching in schools made effective. But who, besides the writer, is responsible for the crazy suggestion that beer should be ‘blamed’ for the prevalence of dental decay?” “S.W.H." writes: “You have certainly hit the nail bn the head when you say ‘weak beer.’ As one who has been connected with the brewing industry for 30 years, I would jike to inform your readers that beer brewed at 1036 specific gravity, which is the maximum that the Government allows, is very weak, and is not much more in alcoholic strength than the near beer t’.at was sold in America when they had Prohibition there.” “P.J.T.” writes; “The virulent antipathy displayed by fanatical temperance reformers to alcohol as a beverage or-even to its use as a medicine is quite misplaced, if they are themselves devotees of the ‘cup that cheers yet not inebriates.’ For tea, coffee, and cocoa all owe their stimulating and refreshing effects to caffeine, a drug procurable from any pharmacy. The injudicious use of any of these beverages is liable to be followed by the development of a craving no less tolerable as that for alcohol.” “Elie de Beaumont” does not approve of the forthcoming Tasman tercentenary celebrations at Franz Josef. “No doubt,” writes the correspondent, “it is a gcod thing to remember the heroes of the past, but it seems a better thing just now to remember our heroes of the present, and what they are fighting for. instead of wasting time and money on mere jollifications.” Norton Wright advocates the use of radish tops as a “medicinal vegetable.” They should be boiled, not with water, but with dripping. Mr Wright adds: “The vitamin value of this vegetable is medicinal, especially for anyone suffering with throat trouble, and it is also a food for the lungs."