PROHIBITION VOTE URGED

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28367, 28 August 1957, Page 10

PROHIBITION VOTE URGED

Methodist Synod’s Recommendation “The enormous cost of the trade in human degradation, in broken homes, traffic accidents, and in ill-health is convincing citizens that it is our duty to curtail the liquor trade in every possible way,” said the Rev. W. T. Blight, chairman of the North Canterbury Methodist Synod at its session yesterday when he was commenting on the liquor poll to be held in conjunction with the General Election this' year. ‘‘There can be little doubt that the Christian cannot lend his support to the further strengthening of the hold of the liquor trade on the life of the Dominion,” he said. He referred to a statement made recently by Sir William Perry that, if there is a bumper vote against prohibition this year it ‘‘must be regarded as a reason why the triennial polls should cease. This is clearly an indication of future trade tactics,” said Mr Blight. “It might not be a bad thing if the poll, as at present carried out, should be abolished—from some angles it is dvpeFfect fardi. If 49.5 per cent, of the people voted for State control and 49.5 per cent, for prohibition and 1 per cent, for Continuance, the last named wins. It is time something was done about that,” said Mr Blight.