WHAT THE GOVERNMENT WANTS THE CHILDREN TO KNOW.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18087, 11 May 1922, Page 9

WHAT THE GOVERNMENT WANTS THE CHILDREN TO KNOW.

The following extract from Special Education Report No. 13, issued by tho N.Z. Education Department, shows what the Government thinks tho children ought, in their own and the country's interests, to know:—

"The fooling of well-being induced by alcohol is due to its narcotic effect and the consequent, dulling of sensations of discomfort and anxiety. The feeling of stimulation is purely subjective and false, and is due to a paralysing of the control of the emotions and of the powers of selfcriticism. The partially intoxicated person appears to himself, and to others in the same condition, to bo brilliant and skilful; but. scientific observation has invariably shown that his mental power, judgment, memory, and skill in action are impaired. It must be emphasised that alcohol causes a weakening of self-control and therefore of real power, and that this is more even of small doses. It has been proved indisputably that alcohol is never a stimulant, but that its direct effect upon tho nervous system' is always to depress or suspend its functions—that it. is from first io last a narcotic drug. Owing to its blunting of intellectual self-criticism, alcohol, according io susceptibility and dosage, gives rise in the drinker to (i.) uncritical self-satisfaction with his own performances; (ii.) loquacity and argumentativeness; (Hi.) disregard of matters normally evoking caution of act and word; (iv.) trespass of rules and conventions previously respected. "It is well to remember that it is the higher and more refined functions of intel-lect—self-control and consciousness of duty —which are most sensitive to the effects of alcohol, and it is these which are paralysed firs!. If is an obvious fact also that these alterations of judgment and behaviour are likely to be fraught with serious consequences for the duo discharge of responsibilities in all niatters of practical life. Accuracy, avoidance of accidents, tactful handling of collengties and subordinates, observance of discipline, punctuality, reticence in matters of confidence, ive hll liable to be jeopardised."— N.Z.