CORRESPONDENCE.

Thames Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9878, 25 February 1901, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

» ■— INEBRIATES HOMES.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —In a recent issue of the Star you made some comments on certain resolutions passed at Christehurch havling refeti. ence to making provisions for the inebriates of this colony. I believe there Was also some legislation on the subject of inebriates during last session, and in answer to a question by an hon. member', the Minister for Education said" the Government hoped to be able to establish two of these institutions for inebriates, one for those who could not pay, and one for those who could and would benefit by detention. Now, sir,.do you not think it is a very sad state ioi" affairs that in . a young coujntry like New Zealand,- If hat it has been thought necessary to hay« a home for those who: have lost all seH con trol and respect, and who have been weak enough to be lured from the path of sobriety iby the many temptations of the present licensing system. What chsnea would tEese two homes) have as against the fifteen hundred hotels, besides numberless sly grog shops. Experience haa taught me that when a man or woman has become eligible or bad enough for such treatment, db is a hopeless case:. I think the Government would do a great national good by taking over the liquor traffic and placing the whole business under the control of the people and uot the people under control of the traffic aa it is at present. Referring to the treatment of inebriates at the Hagey Institute, in every case that came under my notice, after a very short tame everyone went back to excessive drinking. I think instead of buiding homes for inebriates, it would be to the credit of the colony to bring aSout a system that would' make it a difficult matter for men and women to become inebriates, and that can only be accomplished by putting the traffic under State control. I Ijoipe to" see this a leading question at the next election and men returned who will deal the brewjws' monopoly such a Wjow as to make it stagger and fall 'like its victim. Over 2Q years 'ago the Hon. J. Chamber'ain brought) in a Bill having for its object State control of the liquor tra c^ but was exposed by the tempera'nce< '••arty, who united with the brewers, then he withdrew it. I hope that 'we will not Aa that, but 'join hands with the moderate, who will gladly go in for an improvement on the present system, in the hope of some more able pen taking up this question,—l remain, etc.

REFORM.

Pollen Street.