The Drink Curse.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6690, 10 June 1892, Page 2

The Drink Curse.

Sir, — As a former resident, and one who had ample opportunities of learning local requirements, I cannot help writing a few lines to say I cordially endorse the opinion recently expressed at tho temperance meeting that there are too many licensed public-houses in Gisborne. I trust tho movement to organise a substantial temperance party will succeed, as, if it does, immense good to the town must be the outcome in the long run. To ensure success, I think extremes ought to be avoided, and the organisation made a temperance one in the fullest sense of the term. In the past, the intemperate advocacy of total abstinence from platforms, and the wild and erroneous statements made concerning alcohol in any form, have done, I am convinced, the temperance cause injury. However, the present movement in New Zealand is eminently a practical one, and aims at permanent good results. The plan of campaign for the present seems simply to be the closing of superfluous public-houses, thus both making it more difficult for men and women to drink to excess, and removing: a certain amount of temptation. Surely no respectable man or woman can object to this. Licensed victuallers must admit that they have had ample warning of the danger ahead. They have also had a pood long undisturbed innings, and cannot therefore growl much if a few are now bowled out. — I am, &c, Hy. Pollen. Wellington, June 4, 1892.