RUSSIA'S VODKA PROHIBITION.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXI, Issue LXXI, 22 February 1916, Page 5

RUSSIA'S VODKA PROHIBITION.

In the Contemporary Review for December Professor J. V*. Simpson has an article on "Vodka Prohibition and Russian Peasant Life." It summarises the replies received from correspondents from whom questions had been asked as to the effects of prohibition. The article states that there are-118 reports where the correspondents answer quite shortly that prohibition has had a very good influence on the conduct and morality of the people. "Very great," "Very good," "Can**? expect better"—such are some of their verdicts. This really is a'universal opinion. Indeed, the good results of prohibition are particularly well seen in the peasant.families. all their life is a life without rights, when there was vodka their life was poor in spirit, and women suffered most- of all — drunkards could do what they liked at home. The family home had" to accept what the policing of the street would not permit there. With temperance, what the peasants call 'an unexpected joy^ has come." Firs ': of all, it is explained, the women can breathe rndre freely. "Women and children can now see the light of hope and redemption who were formerly suffering from beating, tortures, and in juries—as the great Nekrasor writes, 'Peasant woman's life so hird and difficult, worse cannot be found.' " As compared with this life, the report? of the correspondents refer very much to the new conditions, "Nobody on earth ever had such rejoicing before as the women have now." "All the women are quite delighted." "God has -heard their prayers." For whit are they-so grateful and about what are they praying? "The -women are very grateful for this good deed whbh has made them humnn beings and not slaves." In a word, the country is preparing for a new life." You can say wi'Jiout exaggeration that for the 'wives of such peasants as drank before, this year has been the happiest." Many of'the correspondents show also how the changed conditions affect the life of the children. "Children don't see quarrels between their parents now, and don't hear bad language." "Even the attendance of th? children at school is better.' "ChiMren hnvo better tilings to eat and sweeties in their pockets."