THE FIREMEN OF THE MARAMA

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10685, 3 September 1920, Page 3

THE FIREMEN OF THE MARAMA

(To the Editor "N.Z. Times.") Sir,— Here and there in the United States are to be met undesirable characters who often receive financial remuneration from the coffers of the wealthy Liquor Party. A disgraced clergyman, an unprincipled lawyer, or a fourth-rate journalist, willing to do tho bidding of "Mi Booze"—to use an Americaiiiiism —fills the bill in every respect. From numerous, letters that have appeared in the Press of New Zealand. I am inclined to think that a specimen of tho same genus is recognisable at times in New Zealand. Two letters in particular that have lately been published lend strong colour to this suggestion. One was signed "Protestant." the other "One of the Black Squad." The opening part of both letters was a mass of clumsy camouflage loading on to the real and only object tho writer had in view, pame'.y—to -discredit. by - every means possible, the cause of prohibition. Unfortunately for the so-called "Black Squad" man. Mr W. T. Young, secretary of the Seamen's Union, came to light, and in Tiis reply which appeared in »your issue of the 20th inst; he so completely submerged tho pro-ljquor man that for me -to dwell on tho "Marania" incident would be to pour water on a drow.ned rat. So I must forh»ar I wish, however, to quote an opinion I rend the other day concerning prohibition and .Atlantic liners. , It is by Captain Roberts, commander of the steamer New York, which arrived on May 6th last, at Southampton. He said: "Tri its effect on tho crew 3 of liners prohibition" in America is unquestionably a success. The feature of the voyagewes the manner in which the crew worked during ithe first few days out from New York. No ono who has to handle ships could wish to revert to the old order of things." I am. etc.. , 4 , —Advt. ,