WORLD PROHIBITION CONFERENCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18954, 30 August 1923, Page 10

WORLD PROHIBITION CONFERENCE.

ORGANISATION AND DEVELOPMENT. In view of the fact that the Seventh World Prohibition Conference of tho World Prohibition Federation which is being held in Copenhagen, it will no doubt bo of interest to the public, and especially to temperance people, to know something of the history of this important organisation, which was founded in London in 1900. The “International Convention” of tho “World League Against Alcoholism,” which was hold in Toronto, Canada, in November, 1922, has been (to use an American term), so much “boosted,” that the impression is apt to be created that it was the first great International Prohibition movement of any note. This is not the case.

Probably the most important world convention ever held —because ono with the most (ar-roaching results—was the “International Congress Against Alcoholism,” held in London, in 1909, when 40 nations were represented, and the delegates were given an official reception by a, representative of hia Majesty King Edward the VII; for it waa at this congress that tho first world prohibition federation was formed. _lt was named the “International Prohibition Confederation,” and at a subsequent conference, altered to the “World Prohibition Federation.”

A larger number of nations have been represented at subsequent world’s conventions, but that in 1909 was the initial move to form a World Prohibition Federation, ami it is worthy of note that it was made in Great Britain, with headquarters of the organisation in London. Mr Guy Hayler, of London, was elected president, and Mr E Page Gaston, of London, secretary, and then* gentlemen have held those offices ever since. An executive, drawn from various nations, was also elected. It has, since 1916, published its official organ, the "International Rteoord;” and has issued much valuable literature.

The organisation has, held international conferences at regular intervals, and in the first five years of its existence organised the movement in over 40 countries. Its work has been cordially recognised by rulers and governments of many nations when approached with requests for sympathetic co-operation in the suppression of the liquor traffic. The world-war interfered with its activities in Europe, but immediately after the Armistice was signed, the executive issued to its representatives throughout the _ world ‘‘A Call to Action," indicating definite lines of procedure. The federation collects information from ail parts of the world, as to the progress ol the prohibition movement, and disseminates this to a world-wide circle. Its last conference was held in September last in Amsterdam, when most encouraging reports of the progress of the movement in Europe were presented, and plans for future work formulated. An international meeting will be held by the federation in London in August, during the Supreme Lodge Session of the International Order of Good Templars and its seventh world conference in the sarao month during the International Congress against Alcoholism, which meets in Copenhagen, Denmark, from August 20 to 26, by invitation of the Danish Government. This “International Congress Against Alcoholism” must not lie confused with the “World League Against Alcoholism,” whose first world convention was held in Toronto last year, as the latter was only formed in 1018, at Washington, U.S.A., whereas the former held triennial conferences for years prior to the formation of the first World’s Prohibition Federation in 1909, the one tills year being its seventeenth International Congress. Extensive preparations have been going forward for a long time past for the forthcoming world conferences. Great gatherings are anticipated, and important jesults expected.