THE LIQUOR PROBLEM.

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 21, 19 October 1918, Page 6

THE LIQUOR PROBLEM.

COMMENT,J3Y BISHOP AVERILI.

Us Teleßraph-l'rtißa Association -, Auckland, October 18. ! Referring to the liquor . question,, . Bishop Averill, in his charge to the. Diocesan Synod, said the Synod wouljt he asked to express Mil opinion regarding ; :tli'e National;. Efficiency Board s re-; commendations, flic report of the KHieiency Board should he carefully;; studied,'for it was not the production. , of narrow-minded fanatics, brit of _sasi* public men, who had based their judg-: ment upon a considerable amount or. evidence. "The questions we to put to our conscience," said Bishop Averill.' '.'ore, is liquor a necessity or; a luxury? Does it make for efficiency or against it? Is'it helping us to' win the war? Will it help to make vs.' efficient after the war Is it strengthour returned Soldiers and assisting in tho repatriation? Is it not 'the duty, of the strong to sacn.nce.themselv.es for thp'iweak? tew. of us, I think, are satisfied with things' as they are, and most desire to seo some drastic reform in the liquor traffic, but can we hope for any real reform until the present system is abolished? If after trying the experiment) of Prohibition we\ are' dissatisfied with, the "results we''fiiiail "have the opportunity of restoring the manufacture "and/sale: of liquor on some better basis'. 'There are three points on which. I wish to be assured: (1) Will all soldiers at the front have an opportunity of recording their votes? (2) Will alcohol bp obtainable for medicinal purposes and wine for sacramental purposes?. (3) Will any attempt be made to provide a substitute for the present social and 'fellowship side: cr hotel life • If we take it away wliat do we intend toJpuf in its place?