THE LIQUOR QUESTION

Evening Post, Volume XCIV, Issue 48, 25 August 1917, Page 4

THE LIQUOR QUESTION

Sir; —I see that "Moderate," etc., etc., has como out of his shell a little at last. It has been evident for a long time that "Moderate's" greatest concern has been about his master's profits, Now, he declares that the most important point in connection with the Efficijncj Board's recommendation is compensation. Will "Moderate" be frank for once and say t First, who ought to be compensated? second, What they should be compensated for? . thirdly, Who' should pay the compensation? Will "Moderate" at tho same time tell us who is to compensate all those who have been definitely and permanently injured by the drink traffic? Who is to compensate the widow and fatherless who have been made such by drink? Is Germany to be compensated for ruining Belgium, injuring France, destroying New Zealand boys, is she even to be compensated if stopped at once in her murderous work ? Will "Moderate" stick to his text and stand up to his admission that national efficiency would be increased by the prohibition of the liquor traffic. If I rightly appreciate "Moderate's" present logic, then there is .no real need for the continuation of the Trade nor anything for "Moderate" and his masters to continue to fight for, if "reasonable compensation" is paid by somebody to somebody else. If those* whom "Moderate" represents have reached this point, will they authorise him, on their behalf, to name their-price for blackmail, ransom, compensation, or whatever term may best suit tl\e case. It may be that "if the Prohibitionists will (not) adopt this as part of their policy," and that "if the flew Zealand Alliance Executive (does not) advocate like Mr. R. G. Denton, that the Trade be bought out and shut up for ever" there may be those who will approve of such payment in cash as is agreed upon as "reasonable." There may be those who, in order to end the ghastly business, at this time of stress, might be willing' to consider the Efficiency Board's recommendation, who would not think of such a thing under ordinary circumstances. —I am, etc.. JOHN UAWSON.

24th August.