THE LIQUOR PROBLEM

Southland Times, Issue 17763, 23 September 1914, Page 6

THE LIQUOR PROBLEM

AXB THE BASQUE EAETY. “M OLLY CODDLE POLITICIANS.” tSpccial to T’mcs.) DUNEDIN. September 2?t The Dunedin Carters’ Union at a recent meeting carried the following resolution: —"That, this Union regret that a member of the English Labour Party should accept an engagement to lecture for the Prohibition Party at a time when Labour in Now Zealand is endeavouring to solidify its forces at the next election. The liquor question has too long been a bone of contention in Labour circles, and it is about time that we cut it out of our propaganda and leave the question in the hands of the "mollycoddle" type of politician. who revels in inflicting hi.s extreme ideas upon a patient and public.*’ TILE GEN KRAI. ELECTIONS. VIEWS OF MODERATE LEAGUE. WELLINGTON, Sept. 22. On the announcement being made that it was the intention of the Government to proceed with the elections at the usual time, a, presss representative saw Mr A. S. M'-nteath. president of the New Zealand Moderate League, which was instrumental in organising the public petition for postponement. Air MentealU said that the decision would be received with great regret throughout the country. Indications showed that public opinion was .strongly against tint elections being It eld this year, and lie would lie not surprised if lids was demonstrated by a small and undecisive vole being record. All tin- political organisations would now he forced to immediately end bark on an election campaign at a time when internal peace and unity was ot the utmost value*. (>ur public men would be risked to divert their attention from matters of grave. Imperial concern lo give heed lo the claims of political parties, the general public whose own flesh and Mood would probably lie actively engaged at the front, by election time was to be expected to calmly consider the claims of rival candidates for office. This was another occasion on which further illustration could have been given to the world of the patriotism and determined unity of the British people in times of national stress, but unfortunately it had been missed. "Bo far us the Moderate League is concerned.'’ -•aid Mr Menteath in conclusion, "we approached this matter in a purely nonparty spirit, and we would like to take this opportunity of thanking the public for their ready support. A very strong public appeal for a postponement was mad*- and it is worthy of note that no counter - demonstration of any kind wits forthcoming from the public. The varp,u« organisations are now iorced. much against the better promptings ot the country, to enter on an election campaign. which will be rendered doubly s' renuous on account of the inevitable pre-occupation of the electors. The Moderate League, however, has a cleai conscience; that it has done everyth.ng humanly possible to avert this regrettable state of affairs.