THE MODERATION LEAGUE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CIII, Issue 12159, 24 March 1900, Page 2

THE MODERATION LEAGUE.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Your correspondent, the Moderation League Secretary, says the object of my criticism of his League is abuse and. not temperate - discussion, when I state my opinion that the aforoiaid body is merely a “ rcligio-liquor-vestod-interest defence association,” whe.se main object is not to improve the environment of the drink victims, but to fight the prohibitionists at the licensing elections, and that the rest- of its professions are'“.sheer sham and pretence.” Your corrtb-pondent’s reply has done nothing to dispel that belief, but has rather enhanced it. He says the-objects of the League are to find out the truth concerning the liquor traffic, and to devise means of improving it.' If thisbe so, does he not think the recent “ Burleigh case ” afforded an excellent opportunity •to get at some of the “truth” about the traffic? I notice the League Secretary replied to my abuse (as lie terms my letter), whilst he ignored the seven very ’ temperate queries put to the League by your correspondent “ Citizen,” regarding the above-mentioned case, dive and other hotel accommodation, starting an Inebriate Home Fund, publicans-’ duties and responsibilities, etc. I also think that to get some of their own members on to the Licensing Committee would help the League to learn a little rnoxe of the truth they nrofess to be so anxious to learn. But perhaps the fact of the present committee being brewers’ moderateis is perfectly satisfactory to the League. Now, regarding my charge against the Moderation League of being worked chiefly to check the efforts of the prohibitionists at the general elections. Firstly, did not one of the promoters of the League at an initial meeting prior to the last elections state “ that his immediate intention was to vote continuance?” Secondly, did not another prominent member declare that his idea as to the business of the meeting was "to take steps to fight the prohibition fanatics?” Thirdly, did not the Secretary himself address a letter to the papers a few days before the election which exhibited decided prcvbrewer sympathies? Lastly, but not least, are not several of the foremost members of League interested financially in the liquor' trade, while others have relatives in the business? In conclusion, I ask what is the earthly use of a body of men such, as the Moderation League, unless it- takes a practical interest in all current- licensing matters as they crop up? Where does their “moderate” enthusiasm come in?—l am, etc,, ARGUS.