TEMPERANCE.— PREVENTION BETTER THAN CURE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XV, Issue 5168, 10 June 1878, Page 3

TEMPERANCE.— PREVENTION BETTER THAN CURE.

TO THE EDITOR. SIR, —I would draw the attention of the real friends of temperance to the successful establishment in England of coffee-houses, as they are termed—reality refreshment houses —established for the benefit of the mechanics and working classes by those anxious to promote temperance, not by legislation, lectuies, or tracks, but by practically endeavouring to find accommodation and amusement for the labouring classes equal to that which is provided at publichouses. These new establishments are by no means gratuitous, they are proving to be good investments to those concerned, returning a fair interest on outlay. Tea, coffee, cocoa, and every description of refreshment and food is supplied every day from daylight to midnight, of the best quality, at the lowest possible prices. A large room is provided for men, and a separate room, if desired, for females, who bring their own meals free, a very trifling charge being made for hot water, use of knives and forks, Le. A large reading-room is attached, well supplied with papers, periodicals, &C. ; also Hvatories and every convenience. Sleeping-rooms and accommodation is provided for single men, and various games are provided and allowed, but no alcoholic liquors are allowed to be sold. These establishments are generally opened near to the crowded centres and in the neighbourhood of the large gin palaces, and up to the present time have proved a grtat success. Abstainers and nonabstainers can and do use them, whereas clubs where liquors are sold will rarely be frequented by total abstainers. Something of this description in the neighbourhood of our wharves is much wanted, and would, I believe, do good, and be a far more sensible manner of fighting the evils of intemperance than attempting to stop them by legislation.—l am, kc. , I'Eo li(.-xo Publico.