THE ALCOHOLIC BAROMETER.

Evening Star, Issue 19024, 20 August 1925, Page 4

THE ALCOHOLIC BAROMETER.

TO THE EDITOH. Sir, -Seeing that the liquor barometer shows at present a decided tendency to set in “dry,” it behoves the people in this country who are opposed to Prohibition to set their houses in order for another election campaign. Tho writer has at previous elections been an ardent barracker for Dry, but is still open to conviction. If the so-called “Moderates” can convince him he is wrong, and that a change less drastic than Prohibition is sufficiently effective as a remedy lor this undisputed drink evil, the writer is prepared to consider their ways and he wise. I have always had a strong objection to extreme views on any subject, and have never been an extremist when any reasonable middle course has been open; but those_ advocating any middle course in relation to this drink evil must first convince me that their middle remedy is a real remedy and not a mere product of their own deceived imagination. Their reasoning must be inductive rather than deductive. That something fairly drastic must bo done, and that soon, can bo convincingly demonstrated by spending one whole day, say, in Port_ Chalmers hero. The opinion of the retired Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Now' Zealand at the last General Synod seems to me to express the undoubted truth on this question. After referring to the resolution of the previous General Synod and giving credit to theproraoters of the Corporate Control proposals for sincerity, ho said: “I think it my duty at this time to express my honest conviction that this scheme of Corporate Control provides no security whatever either for genuine reform or effective control. It may perhaps advantage ‘‘the trade,’ but will .certainly do serious harm to tho community.” Tho above contains a clear challenge to the Corporate Control people to make good their case if they can. So then, my Corporate Control friends, here is a chance for you. Plunge into tho coming fight, spill a little ink, and prove to me and to others that your proposed remedy is a real remedy and not a phantom. Until you have proved tyour case I prefer to vote and work for “ Dry.” But more than more words are needed. Lot them give practical proof of their contention. Prior to every election during tho last few years “the and the “Moderates” have promised to put into operation certain effective reforms. On every occasion these have failed to mature, and during tho triennial period that is now closing failure has again to bo recorded. Can you blame some of us if wo are beginning to suspect that these promises of reform are merely election trifles? If I bad a native inclination towards poetry, I might express the matter thus —only in a better way, of course :

Poor Old Nick Was very side; “Ah!” said he, “ A saint I’ll he When I got well, And that you’li see.” A few stray clergymen and members of the great Anglican Church of Now Zealand still advocate the suggested middle remedy', in spite of the opposition shown towards it by their late archbishop, but they do not in any w r ay represent their church. Apparently they are like those famous three tailors of Tooley street, who signed a people of England.”—l am, etc., pople of England.”—l am, etc., Bnoxciio Bill. Port Chalmers, August IS).