PROHIBITION.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVIX, Issue 3003, 15 December 1896, Page 4

PROHIBITION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —Prohibition. has been defeated at the polls, and the Temperance Party will, it is to be hoped) begin tb realise that a change in the tactics hitherto adopted has become necessary; To carry prohibition without compensation would bo to commit an act of injustice. That is the verdict of the country, and the truest sympathisers with the temperance cause endorse that verdict. Let the advocates of Prohibition realise the position ; lot them work for a change in the law that will make Prohibition possible without spoliation, and they will receive the support they deserve. In common, I hope and believe, with the great bulk of the people of this Colony, I am myself a supporter of the principles of temperance j but refuse to do evil that good may come. I would be no party to an injustice patent to all who cannot be persuaded to shut their eyes to plain facts. Would it not be as well for those Prohibitionists who profess to be Christians to test their action in this matter highest of all standards, by the plainest, most far-reaching, most emphatic of all Christ’s commandments : “ Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them j for this is the law and the prophets I” What is wanted is an equitable and workable scheme of compensation, and I appeal to our friends of the Temperance Party to set to work to solve the problem; I offer for their consideration the suggestion to set aside the license fees paid by the publißans, and allow a fund to accumulate for a term of years. Out of this fund means for compensation could bo provided, and, in the event of Prohibition being carried in any district, the Will of the majority Could be enforced by buying out houses as funds permitted until the whole were closed.—l am, &0., Moderate.