NATIVES AND DRINK.

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2742, 10 April 1916, Page 6

NATIVES AND DRINK.

Sir,—Ref erring to.Mr. Field's letter,.! whioh appeared in your columns on February 25, although somewhat late in answering same, the reason being that the letter has been considered at several Native meetings held for that purpose on this coast. Mr. Field makes a scathing remark against us by saying that many of our children have died from neglect caused through drinking bouts. It.ia practically accusing us of, manslaughter, a cruel remark to como from our members of the district. I will challenge Mr. Field to prove/a single case of where a child has died of neglect through the above causes. Then he goes accusing the railway officials for; not being allowed to divulge to the police the names of consignors and consignees and recipients of drink carried on the railways. Tilings would be coming to a pretty pass if railway officials are expected to divulgo names and to act as amateur detectives, night prowlers, and spies. They are not paid to do dirty work. By 'so doing they would bring themselves into disfavour with the public. The police are paid to do that particular work, and let each department attend.to its own special duties.—l am, 6tC '' T. H: PARATA. Waikanae, April 8, 1916. [A portion or the above letter has Veen excised owing .to its extremely personal tone.]