PROHIBITION.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 7128, 4 May 1891, Page 3

PROHIBITION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — I do nob often tubIi into print, as I have plenty of opportunity for saying my say on the platform, but the letter from " Progress" in your issue of to-day impels me to ask you to kindly give me space for a reply. This gentleman admits that some of his previous effusions wore "nonsense," but this attempt to write sense is the greatest nonsense which has yet emanated from his pen. The question has been raised as to whether his "backbone" is in the right place. My own impression is that he lus no backbone at all ; at anyrate, no temper- ! ance backbone. He has hitherto been posing as a temperance reformer, but I must say if he be a teetotaller at all he is a very poor specimen, and his last letter will give the publicans in the Wuiareka district to day the finest lift they could possibly have had. For my "own part I question whether he be a temperance refoimerat all, and think it is about time he let us know who he really is. If he be a teetotaller, truly we may cry " Save us from our friends." Fancy a teetotaller eaying that it "makes me treoible for the effect when all the bars are shut !" I do not know, sir, whether age in his case has brought his boasted " experieuce," but I am sure it has not brought knowledge, for he exhibits the most profound ignorance of the very principles which lie at the basis of all temperance reform, "Progress" says that he has taken "a prominent p-irt in the late turmoil." Now, I thh.k I have been introduced to most of the "prominent" men, and should really like to know which of them can possibly be 6uch a weakkneed teetotaller. ' The illustration which he uses in support of his views of the man, who, after being refused more drink at a well con- ] ducted hofel, was traced to one of " Hiese hells which . . , are allowed to exist " is not worthy of any attempt to show its absurdity, as any Band of Hope boy could detect its weakness. The words of a great man are worthy to be preserved and handed down to posterity. Teetotallers remember that this greit temper- j ance reformer "Progress" has (as he s*ys) "put on record "that he believes " though all the drinking bais were shut i from Auckland to the Bluff, that would not effect a cure." May the day soon come when we, sir, may have an opportunity of making the trial. We are not afraid of the result. I am sorry it is " the last letter " "Progress" intends to write, as we want just now help, not hindrance, froi* all earnest men. Let me, however, suggest to him that should he again rush into print, he should sign his letter, not "Progress " I buo "Retrogression," for he evidently is ! a member of the backward movement. In conclusion, 1 challenge'" Progress " to throw of his )tom (h pi^me, and make himself known. He suggests a meeting with Mr W. Seth Smith on a certain bridge, possibly feeling it appropriate as suggesting the pons nsinonim of our temperance problem, which, even at his age, he has been unable to cross, and doubtless thinking Mr W. Seth-Smith might help him over. There would, however, sir, be no fun in this private meeting, and I therefore challenge " Pro gress " to meet mo on the platform of the Public Hall after my lecture on Monday night, for a twenty minute?, debate, and there express his views publicly. He need not wear the " white flower " and I trust he will not show the " white feather." Thankiug you for allowing n\e space for this rather lengthy letter, — I am, sir, yours faithfully, E. Tenxyson Smith.