THE TEMPERANCE QUESTION IN MARTON.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 4694, 14 June 1882, Page 3

THE TEMPERANCE QUESTION IN MARTON.

TO TEE EDITOR.

Sib, — I see by the Advocate that some writer signing himself "Truth," takes exception to a statement of mine in my Notes, in which I spoke of considerable drunkennes being seen in Marton among both races; and this same writer, with proverbial politeness, gives me the lie direct. Now, sir, the two principal streets of this town run into each other at right angles, and from the junction you may see each public house by only turning round. All I can say is that if what I said is untrue, then I cannot believe my own eyesight and trust my own hearing. I could produce several respectable witnesses, if necessary,* who have seen and heard the same as myself, and all of us must suffer from the same hallucination. I made no insinuations about our police officer and make none now; he may be all that the Advocate's correspondent states, he may be more. I only took' the liberty to make a suggestion, and I take him to be too manly to resent that. What does the writer mean by talking about doses of " pick me up " ? Does he take' me to be some unlicensed dealer in those " good " liquors, on which he enlarges so feelingly, and for which there is said to be a craving in the morning ? or aji I to interpret the " quotation " as an appeal for help- at any time he might be overcome and require it ? He may rest assured that I will certainly pick him up should I ever chance to come upon him in an uncomfortable position, or any one else, as I have often done before. Some I have supported to their homes, others I have saved from the lock-up by taking them into safety until recovered. I will not neglect him in his need, much as I dislike drunkenness. lam sorry for the unfortunate, but my feeling of dislike is greatly intensified towards the person who Bells him the drink, seeing that he is already under if? influence. — Yours, &c, Passing Notes.

Sir T. Brassey, speaking at Maidstone to the toast of the Navy, observed that never since the days of Nelson had the English nation held a more prominent position as a naval power than it now occupied.

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