STATE CONTROL.

Evening Star, Issue 20020, 10 November 1928, Page 3

STATE CONTROL.

TO TEL EDITOU. Sir,—Tlie State Control Party _ lias made one more move to aid its business partner, the Continuance Party. Young voters have this week received through the post a packet of misguiding literature concerning the liquor question. Older voters have evidently been credited with too much experience to bo lit subjects for this form of propaganda on behalf of Continuance. it needs little knowledge to see through the arguments of these so-called reformers. May l as a young elector point out to the young men and women of this city the following points in connection with the executive of the Otago branch of the State Control Party? The covering letter received by many this week from the State Control Party shows at its head the names of the executive, including three local Anglican clergy. These men do not work among the wreck, ruin, and dirt caused by the liquor traffic. Their eyes appear to have been on the more soft and honoured positions of their profession. How these men can Sunday by Sunday lead their fellow-men to pray “ Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,” aud then support the greatest evil and temptation in our midst is more than X for one can understand. One other member of the local committee is a member of Speight’s branch of New Zealand Breweries, Ltd.; another is interested in the liquor trade; and yet they ask us to believe that they are desirous of having their business curtailed. Of the medical man on the committee 1 would ask; Is it not time that alcohol as a beverage is harmful to the human body? The vice-pre-sident of the local branch of the Licensing Reform Association is solicitor for at least one branch of New Zealand Breweries, Ltd. Lastly, from looking •t the fifissonncl of the executive, we

may take it that most, if not all, are shareholders in this company. The average man admires honesty in his follow-men. Why do State Controllers not come off tho fence and cry “ Vote Continuance ” instead of trying to keep in with both sides? They would then at least bo more worthy of honour and respect, and could certainly not do more harm to the cause of true reform. —I am, etc., ' LI.L.W. November 9.

TO THE EDITOK. Sir,—l am a moderate, and intend to vote for State Purchase and Control, not that I think there is the slightest possibility of its being carried at this election, but because I am sick and tired of tho present state of affaire. Continuance moans private gain, and so long as we have that the hotelkeeper will take all ho can get. You remember the advice given : “My son, make money—honestly if yon can, but make money." Nnf scd. Prohibition means, 1 am certain, a worse state than at present—sly drinking, bad liquor, damnation generally to the young and old alike. It may sound utopian, but by raising the status of “ mine host ’’ as a Government official, you would have some of tho finest men in New Zealand upon their retirement from the Government service eager and anxious to accept tile appointment with a good salary, instead of retiring on superannuation. Whilst a man held this appointment his superannuation, oi course, should cease, but from the moment of his retirement from the position his superannuation should take effect. In this way, look at the saving which would be effected if it is to bo regarded in the light of L.S.D. I see no reason whatever why "mine host ” should not take a position of precedence next to a mayor of a town. It would bo an honour to be selected for the position, and only the best and most honourable would be chosen, and if "mine host” did have honour paid to him, nobody could have any cause to grumble, for it would be the settlement of a very vexed question, and one which, unless wo act wisely, can quite easily’ wreck our fine little dominion. I put this matter forward in very bald form at present, as much would have to be carefully thought out and arranged before it could be carried into effect. The principle of the thing is what counts, and if that is allowed, the methods of bringing it into practice will follow.—l am, etc., Daylight Ahead. , November 10.