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Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11727, 30 November 1905, Page 7

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A Catholic Priest's Views.

Testimony from Ashburton.

Prohibition Not a Benefit.

(Per United Press' Association.)

BLENHEIM, November 30.

Much public interest was taken in a lecture delivered here last night by tho Rev. Father Scrvajcan on - Prohibition. The hall was crowded, and among those present was the Rev. Mr Fairclough, of Wellington, who speaks to-night in reply to Father Servajean. The lecturecr said that his address was prompted by a letter he had received from the iNew Zealand Alliance, asking him to preach a special temperance sermon in view of the coming elections. He resented the letter as an interference, as he never lost an opportunity of urging his congregation to temperance. This incidence led to correspondence in the Press, and to his appearance on the public platform. The address strongly disapproved of the principle of Prohibition and No-license, but condemned tho present open bar system and the evils of the "shouting" , custom. He suggested the Continental cafe system, which from experience he could say did not encourage excessive drinking. Speaking of Ashburton, he had just wired to Father O'Donnell. the parish priest there, asking him if Prohibition was really a benefit, and the reply was: '"No. Taking all tilings into consideration, Prohibition is not a benefit." The speaker got on excellent hearing. '