What Prohibition Means.

Free Lance, Volume XVIII, Issue 949, 19 September 1918, Page 20

What Prohibition Means.

Tlia Law, ESxplainsdL

At a meeting of the central executive of the New Zealand Moderate League, held last Monday it was pointed out that many people were not aware of the real meaning of National Prohibition. The President (Mr I). M. Findlay) said that any misunderstanding that existed could be removed by reference to the existing low as contained in section 21 of the Licensing Amendment Act, 191Q, which read as follows: —

"21.x (1) At all times while no licenses exist in New Zealand by virtue of any determination in favour of National Prohibition, and while that determination remains in force, it shall be unlawful for any person to import into New Zealand, or to manufacture, sell, or have in his possession for the purpose of sale, intoxicating liquor of any description."

He proceeded to point out that under National Prohibition no person could procure alcoholic liquors for use in their own homes or the entertainment of friends. The words "or to manufacture' ' in section 21 also clearly made it illegal for a housewife to make any home-made wines, cider, or other fermented drinks.

"There can be no - doubt on this point," said Mr Findlay. "The people must realise that National Prohibition does not merely mean closing the public-houses. It is a direct infringement of personal liberty and personal choice. If National Prohibition becomes law, it will enter the homes of the people, and it will be made impossible for the citizens of New Zealand to have alcoholic beverages of any kind in their possession for social purposes in their own homes, in their clubs, or at any social gatherings. I cannot believe that the freedom-loving people of this Dominion will deliberately impose upon themselves such a tyrannous and inquisitorial system. Prom what has been stated, it appears that many people are under the impression that the present so-called 'Efficiency Campaign' aims merely at closing the pub-lic-houses. That impression is entirely wrong. The 'Efficiency Campaign' aims at total National Prohibition, which, if carried into effect, will create tlie conditions already indicated. The right course for those who are dissatisfied with the present conduct of the trade is to support the Moderate League in its determination to secure National Ownership. The present favourable conditions should be seized by all those who believe that the way to proctical temperance lies in proper regulation and control." 45* 1483