LIQUOR TRAFFIC

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 49, 27 February 1942, Page 6

LIQUOR TRAFFIC

METHODISTS EXPRESS

CONCERN

Profound concern at "the continued increase in the sale and consumption of liquor revealed by the latest statistics," was expresesd in a resolution by the Methodist conference in Wellington yesterday.

The resolution continued: "Conference views with strong disapproval the deplorable fact that since the commencement of the war New Zealand has spent more than £22,000,000 on intoxicants, much of which has been imported. Vast quantities have also been exported for use by members of our armed forces overseas. The shipping space thus taken could have been more effectively' utilised during such time of national peril and r need."

A further resolution was as follows:—

"In the interests of national efficiency and security, and deploring the necessity of requiring the Government to enforce its own regulations in regard to the liquor trade, conference resolves: That the Government take active steps to ensure that the liquor laws are observed in all instances, with special reference to the many cases of flagrant breaches of the law involving the' illicit sale "and consumption of intoxicants outside hours and specially at weekends.

"That shipping space at present being used for the import and export of liquor be conserved for the transport of commodities more necessary.

"That in view of the baneful effects, physical and moral, of intoxicants, the Government reconsider its' policy regarding wet canteens in military and Air Force encampments, with a view to their elimination, and that the Minister of Defence be urged immediately to close wet canteens in all camps where^ Territorials and Home Guardsmen are in training.

"Conference further recommends that provision be made immediately for the sale of non-intoxicating beverages in all military camps and Air Force stations."

Presenting the report on which the resolutions were based, the Rev. R. Dudley, Christchurch, said: "The beer barons are in the saddle and the devils of drink are astir in the land." A deplorable lack of perspective as to true national values was indicated by the use of shipping space for the import and export of liquor.