Liquor poll

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33092, 6 December 1972, Page 18

Liquor poll

Sir, —Linda Mercie's statement, “I think we should allow one another to choose our own way, even if that leads to self-destruction,” ignores social pressures acting on individuals. Recently I lost my temper with a young person who tried to insist that anyone who would not try drugs was lacking in “courage.” This, I am afraid,

is the reality of any drug situation. Drug users are often prepared to abuse those who reject drugs. Some young people argue that it is illogical to come down so hard on their addicitidns when alcohol is tolerated by a majority. They are right. Only if society is prepared to make a better attempt to control alcohol will it succeed in controlling other drugs. Some form of rationing with hotels run, not for private profit, but by people who try to encourage patrons to drink as little alcohol as possible might be the best answer.—Yours, etc., MARK D. SADLER. December 5, 1972. Sir, —It would be a sad day for all of us if New Zealanders, male, and female, and minors, got to a stage when we imagined we needed alcohol to survive or to mix socially. Why do we need liquor? What purpose does it really serve? Reading the newspapers everyday on all the different forms of crime where alcohol is involved, I fail to see its worth or its purpose. And what of all the goings-on we do not see or hear of?—Yours, etc., I.E.D. December 5, 1972.-

Sir,—l do not agree that Parliament might well consider abolishing the liquor referendum. This is a vital issue. Remember, people and country matter most. It was most gratifying that in this crumbling world of today there were still 160,240 responsible people who voted prohibition. When we are confronted daily with road deaths, cruelty, and even murder, it is shocking to think that there are thousands of good decent-minded people who cold-bloodedly vote continuance despite this diabolical havoc due to drink. For over 50 years I have voted prohibition for the sake of my weaker brothers and my weaker sisters. Nevertheless I would stand convicted if I made no stand at all, having a wholesome regard for the words of Christ: “It is impossible but that offences will come, but woe unto him by whom they come.” (Luke 17). —Yours, CONVICTIONS. December 4, 1972.