LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1082, 22 March 1911, Page 6

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

THE NATIONAL LEAGUE. Sir,—The report of the meeting held lust week by the National League is very refreshing. Its first purpose, "To safeguard tho reasonable and necessary freedom of action of the individual and tho community," .sounds liberal, and is entitled to serious consideration. I nolice also that it aims nt protecting sport, but finds some difficulty in separating sport from gambling; but the work of the loaguo has so far not been very clearly defined. Perhaps, however, an index to the real object in view may be discovered- by ail examination of the principal speakers at Iho meeting. One prominent gentleman is a shareholder in Messrs. J. J. Staples and Co.s brewery. This is no crime; but it indicates at least, that he is hot in favour of tho No-License movement. When it is remembered that at tho last licensing poll Masterton, Wellington South, and Suburbs went dry, which fact materially affected Messrs. Staples and Co., it would be unnatural for this "gentleman to support prohibition. A second speaker, well known in legal circles, is also recognised .as a straightout opponent, of No-License. Ido not complain. He is just as much entitled to his opinions as I am to mine; but as far as ho is' concerned, ho Will not. be anxious to see the liquor trade destroyed. A third speaker was a candidate for the House at the last election, and made a gallant fight. He. opposed No-License openly, and received the support of the Trade in consequence. This was io crime; but he will not be in favour of the National League working against the Trade. - A fourth speaker was at the last licensing' poll appointed organiser for tho Liquor Party in an ungrateful district which went dry. This was no crime; but. an employee of the Trade is hardly likely to work against it. I need not refer at length to other speakers. Suffice it to say that as far as I can judge the National League is launched solely in the interests of tho Liquor Party. It is disguised under the garb of "non-party," "moderate," "liberty for the individual," "opposition to oppression," and other carefully-selected expressions which are apt to catch the univary. The Liquor Party may conceal itself behind flowery language, but it is the same old party. The leopard cannot change his spots. "The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau." One speaker expressed something akin to regret because the Labonr unions were not represented on the league. That gentleman may rest easy. The Labour Party is not so verdant as he imagines. To them the league is playing spider. They arc indisposed to play fly. It is. a great pity that two or three eminent public gentlemen did not take part in the league's meeting. For example, the Hon. H. Gilmer. Allan Maguire, Esq., T. G. Macarthy, Esq., and Martin Kennedy, Esq. would certainly have made the proceedings less colourless. I feel sure these gentlemen are in entire sympathy with the moderate . party. Perhaps this oversight will be rectified at the next public meeting.—l am, etc., PROHIBITIONIST.