The Same Old Drunks.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4741, 5 September 1893, Page 3

The Same Old Drunks.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— Allow me to thank " John Osborne " very sincerely for hia exsellenfc letter, which appeared in your Saturday's iesue. I once heard a woman thank God that her husband was out of work. Strange, was it not ? But strange as it may seem, it is a positive fact. The woman was the owner of three cottages, and the rent, with what she earned, kept them in comfort. But when her husband, who was a carpenter, was in work, he used to spend every fraction of his money on drink. He not only spent what he earned, but I have Been bills for timber for £18 at a time sent to hia wife, which she has had to pay. He would take small contracts and forget to pay for his goods until he got sober, and then his money was gone. Whilst out of work and out of funds he kept sober, and then appeared to be a mild, inoffensive and intelligent man. But no BOoner was he in work and earning money than be became a blustering nuisanoe. He did not die, but lived until all three of the cottages were drunk away. No doubt, if he is still alive, he will be wanting assistance from someone. The lavt time I saw him he was very hard up. I did not pity him, but was sorry for his poor wife. Fortunately, children he had none. There is not the slightest doubt that it is hard times which have decreased the liquor bill. I agree with "John Osborne" that others who profit by the sale of drink to characters such as laabella Leckie have sunk very low, and the sooner such a mode of getting a livelihood is abolished the better. These "same old drunks" seem to be helpless under the present system. If there be no other cure, then let us have Prohibition. — I am, &c, AN ELECTOE.