THE LICENSING POLL.

Evening Star, Issue 22194, 23 November 1935, Page 12

THE LICENSING POLL.

TO THE EDITOTI. Sir, —On reading your editorial on the above subject, I was glad you drew the attention of electors to the lact that it would be taken at the same time as the political one on Wednescltiv next. You referred to tlie ecu- ■ tonal you had written previous to the last poll, which contained the following remarks: “Another matter to be considered, that of Prohibition, is much more than that (referring to politics) for some people; Prohibition is a religion.” The Legislature has decided that, in the interests of the people, a poll shall be taken, and it is for them to decide whether the liquor traffic should continue. So why say it is a religion for those who differ from you, and vote Prohibition? I cannot agree with you when you say that Prohibition expects national salvation from all troubles; but we believe that a sober cpmmunity is a goal that is well worth striving for. Whether the “ new economics,” as you suggest, takes its place as a “ cure-all ” I shall leave for the intelligence of your readers. Concerning the present system of regulation, which the big advertisement calls “ Continuance,” let me refer you to the Sergeant of Police in his remarks as to the observance of the law. “ It is a dead letter; the whole thing is farcical.” And now let me repeat the remarks of Mr Mosley, the magistrate at Wellington, when an intoxicated motorist came before him and asked for leniency. He said; “There were 182 deaths by motor accidents last 'year. It is tremendous. Something drastic must be done by the' courts or legislation.” Your article is confined to justify the present system of Continuance, and is inclined to favour State Control, which is certainly a smoke screen.—l am, etc., Safetv First. • November 22.