WHAT PROHIBITION MEANS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17425, 20 September 1918, Page 6

WHAT PROHIBITION MEANS

THE LAW EXPLAINED. (From Otjb Special Correspondent.) i WELLINGTON, September 17, 1918. At a meeting of the Central Executive of the New Zealand Moderate League, held last evening, it was pointed out that many people were not aware of the real meaning of National Prohibition. The president (Mr D. M. Findlay) said that any misunderstanding that existed could be removed by reference to the existing law as contained in section 21 of " The Licensing Amendment Act, 1910," which read as follows— "21 (1) At all times while no licenses exist in New Zealand by virtue of any determination in favour of National Prohibition, and while that determination remains in force, it shall be unlawful for any person to import into New Zealand, or to manufacture, soil, or have in his possession for the purposes of sale, intoxicating liquor of any description." He proceeded to point out that under National Prohibition no persons could procure alcoholic liquors for use in their own homes or the entertainment of friends. The words "or to manufacture" in section 1 also clearly makes it illegal for a ; housewife to make any home-made .wines, x s cider, or other fermented drinks. "There can be no doubt on this point." said Mr Findlay. "The people must realise that National Prohibition does not merely mean closing the public-houses. It is a direct infringement of personal liberty and i personal choice. _ If National Prohibition becomes law it will enter the homes of the people, and it will be made impossible for the citizens of New Zealand to ' have alcoholic beverages of any kind in their possession for social purposes in their own ; homes, in their clubs, or at any social ; gatherings. I cannot believe that the freedom-loving people of this dominion will deliberately impose upon themselves such a tyrannous and inquisitorial system. From what has been stated it appears that many people are under th« impression that the . present so-called " Efficiency Campaign" aims merely at closing the public-houses. . That impression is entirely wrong. The . "Efficiency Campaign" aims at total National Prohibition, which, if carried into , effect, will eeate the conditions already indicated. The right course for those "who i arc with the present conduct ! of the Trade is to support th/> Moderate Leaeiie in its determination to secure National Ownership. The present favour-, able conditions should be seized by nil those" who that the way to practical temperance lies in proper regulation and eontrol-" 20918