DRINKING AMONG YOUNG MEN.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 231, 23 June 1908, Page 9

DRINKING AMONG YOUNG MEN.

STATEMENT BY THE REV. E. WALKER. (D3l XELEGRAPBI, —SPECIAL CORriSSrOKDSNT.) Christchurch, : Juno 22. , On Saturday tho Rev. E. Walker, a prominent member of the No-Lioense party, was shown by a "Times" reporter a leading articlo in tho Sydney "Morning Herald," criticising his statement in regard to the position of _ drunkenness in Now Zealand, and attributing the increase in the. consumption of drmk to increased prosperity. Ho said that he'thought the writer was partly justified-in coining' to that conclusion. Thero was' not tho slightest doubt that'tho No-Licenio propaganda. had pjevented the increase from being much larger than it was. It was once said with much truth that young Now Zealand did not-drink. Thero was'painful evidence that tho truth of the- saying was becoming loss. The great development of sport in recent years explained to somo extent the increaso of the drinking among young"men. Sport had not necessarily any tendency in that direction, and lie.did not' say that the, young fellows wero, not .well disposed; but circumstances forced .them to the publichouse's for dressing-rooms and other' accommodation, and.a foeling arose of. obligation to "drink for the good of tho house." Besides that tho astuteness of the trade in often making free gifts of beer, and presenting trophies, was having a,similar evil - effect. A' law providing for dressing-rooms, refreshment, and other accommodation on all public sports grounds in New Zealand would bo heartily welcomed by young fellows. In any caso, frco gifts of liquor by brewers anil licensees for any purposo whatever should, be mndo unlawful.