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Pahiatua Herald, Volume II, Issue 108, 7 February 1894, Page 2

It is becoming generally conceded that John Barleyoorn is a much abused individual. If be were half as bad as some people depict him he would deserve to be hanged, drawn, and quartered. There is no doubt that John is a great sinner, but is he as black as he is painted ? Is he guilty of the crimes that are imputed to him? Does he rob, plunder, kill, murder, and garrote ? Or is he called upon to do penance for the sins of others ? Let ns sec. In the world of spirits there are degrees. Not only are these over proof or uuder proof, but there are good, bad, and indifferent. It is alleged by experts who ought to know that the bad and indifferent are unpleasantly common. The causes of their badness or inferiority are understood to be various. Borne are adulterated ; others are too fresh. The latter contain fusel oil, which is a poor recommendation to the oonsomer. But not having made the acquaintance of the Customs they are oheap, which is a good recommendation for the retailer. Now, it is hardly fair to John Barleycorn that he should be subjected to this kind of treatment. In his ' normal condition (in the woed) he dispenses with fusel oil and drugs. In a pure condition he is often useful, and at all times fairly wholesome. Of course he can be abused, but who is it that cannot ? It is when contaminated that he becomes a blackguard and ■ emulates the traditional Donnybrook warrior. The question arises, how ‘ can we protect John Barleycorn and > his reputation ? Suppose we treated ■ him like distinguished persons gener- > ally, and gave him not only a policeman > or two, but a special escort 1 Would * not an expert who would be able to travel from place ti place as he > thought fit and call on the police for i assistance improve matters ? An - officer with the apparatus and articles i for analysing the quality of John and i his companions on the spot would be < invaluable. His presence would I frighten away the mixtures and pro--1 tect the revenue. All that would be * needed would be an occasional raid, t Of course the officers would npod to be > armed with ample power to s ; ~ coni fiscate, and destroy all drugged or i unwholesome liquids. What a protection this would be to the honest > dealer ! What a greater protection to * the revenue ! Aud what a still greater t protection to John Barleycorn and his - friends !