THE LICENSING QUESTION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10303, 7 November 1911, Page 1

THE LICENSING QUESTION.

The following pastoral letter from the Moderator of the General Assembly ol tho Church, the Rev James 11 Aire kenzic, was read in all the Presbyterian plaoes of worship on Sunday: — "Christian Friends, —There can bo no doubt that the evils connected with strong drink are among tli3 most serious from which our dominion suffers. Poverty, disease and crime abound in our land, it is quite clear that the greater part of these is directly due to the blighting influence of intemperance. Drunkenness is appallingly prevalent, and we remember that no drunkard shall inherit the Kingdom of God. As those therefore who acknowledge Christ Jesus as King, who stand -for practical righteousness, and who seek to uplift our fellows socially, morally and spiritually, we must wage unrelenting war. against the liquor traffic until onr fair land be cleansed from the stain of it. There is not room enough in New Zealand for tho Christian Church and the liquor traffic. In a very few.weeks a poll will he taken, when two issues will bo put before you—one as to no-license in your own electorate, tho other as to prohibition for tho whole of New Zealand. This places the responsibility upon the shoulders of the voters. We therefore most earnestly and affectionately urge you to use your voting power to the full, so as to vote out tho liquor traffic. Regard it as a sacred duty to go to the poll. .And when you go strike out the top line oil both ballot papers and thus vote for local no-license and for national prohibition. Wo also ask that during .the intervening days until tho poll is taken you will pray for the Divine blessing upon this cause and use your personal influence in public and in private to will votes for it. Do what you can to help by working, writing or speaking, and in this way you will contribute something: effective towards the bringing in of that kingdom of God, whose characteristics are righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost."