MODERATES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16614, 9 December 1919, Page 5

MODERATES.

TO TII3 EDITOR. Sir,—Tho Moderates aro issuing, by post, a circular "To All Tbougiitfui People” to prove that tho "moderate use of alcohol” is not harmful—they do not contend that it is beneficial generally—and to prove their case they quote from "Alcohol: Its Action on the Human Organism.” This Is really a report published by tho British Government. From page 133 of tiiis book tile Moderates quote a passage which they interpret as a distinct permission to use alcoholic drinks: out they stop too soon, for the very next sentence, and in the same paragraph, says: "On the other hand, alcoholic beverages arc in no way necessary for healthy life; that they aro harmful or dangerous if tho above-mentioned precautions aro not observed j and further, that they arc definitely injurious for children and for most persons of unstable nervous system, notably for those who have had severe injuries to the head or who have Buffered from attacks of mental disorder, or from nervous shock.” The precautions referred to aro that the liquor must bo “moderate in quantity and taken in adequate dilution and at sufficient intervals.” It really means that the drinks must bo small—weak—•seldom. The hook from which they, and 1. quote is really the latest and host tiling that, can lie said in favour of alcoholics, and all moderates or would-ho moderates should read it; and if really “thoughtful” they will conclude that the drinking game is not worth tho caudle.—l am, etc., G.H.M.