THE CHURCH ON THE LIQUOR QUESTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 13006, 25 October 1905, Page 5

THE CHURCH ON THE LIQUOR QUESTION.

DISCUSSION AT CHRISTCHURCH SYNOD. THREE PROPOSALS REJECTED. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION'.] Christchurch, Tuesday. The Diocesan Synod to-day further discussed the motion liat in view of the coming licensing poll the Synod commends to Church people tho adoption of tho nolicense system as the best available remedy for existing evils. An amendment was moved urging upon Churchmen to vote according to the dictates of their consciences Both motion and amendment were lost. A further amendment proposed that the Synod recognises that so fur as it lias been tried in New Zealand no-license lias been on the whole beneficial, and 011 that account regards the movement with sympathetic interest, and considers that it may be made serviceable in promoting the cause of temperance in small towns and country districts, where alone it has as yet been tried in this country. This amendment was also rejected, and the Synod passed on to the next business.

THE LATEST CONVERT. fur TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Cuntstchuii, Tuesday. Sir John Hull is tho latest convert to nolicense. Speaking at tho Anglican .Synod, he said ho had on many occasions voted against tho proposal contained in the motion, but his conscience now would not allow him to oppose it any longer. (Hear, hear.) Moral suasion had not effected a remedy, and the hopes that the publicans would improve the trade had not been realised. At present the young men of the country showed more inclination to drink more than was good for them than they did in years gono by. They must carry public opinion with them, for an attempt to shut up all tho hotels in Christchurch might lead to ft revulsion in public opinion. Tho greater part of the poverty and crime which camo before him while ho was.a magistrate was due to intemperance, and a ijreat- part of the present-day misery and degradation was duo to the same cause. Prohibition, where it had been tried in New Zealand, had proved a success, and that fact should outweigh any experiences to tlio contrary in America.