CONSTITUTIONAL METHODS OF DEALING WITH THE LIQUOR SITUATION TODAY

White Ribbon, Volume 23, Issue 3, 1 May 1951, Page 6

CONSTITUTIONAL METHODS OF DEALING WITH THE LIQUOR SITUATION TODAY

(A Paper prepared for the Pretbyterian-Methodiet Temperance Committee*, 1950)

It is assumed that by “constitutional methods is meant all right and proper activities which are likely to reduce the evils resulting from the consumption of alcoholic beverages, including the insistence of the strict enforcement of the present law, the fullest use of existing provisions of the law, and the seeking of amendments to the Licensing Acts. Consideration is given to (1) The prevailing apathy; (2) Abstinence; (3) Triennial Licensing Polls; (4) Prohibition; (3) Licensing* Committees; (Jj) Commission on Licensing; (7) Representations to Government and Parliament.

1. APATHY. The greatest need at the present time is to awaken responsible citizens to the fact that there is a Liquor Problem in New Zealand, that the Liquor Trade is responsible for widespread harm to the community, and that comprehensive measures should be taken to combat its

evils. The Christian forces of the Dominion are alarmingly apathetic, and although there is still a substantial vote for Prohibition, active temperance advocates are pitiably few. Orators and intercessors are required to raise the temperance movement to the inspiring prestige of a crusade. 2. ABSTINENCE. Ihe .deal method of dealing with the liquor problem is to convince all people that the advantages claimed for alcoholic beverages are not worth the price to be paid and the risks involved, and that voluntary abstinence is a sound and safe attitude for all.

The present trend, accentuated by the war, is for an increasing use of alcohol in social functions and private life. Experience in ail ages confirms the declaration of the Bible: “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” (Prov. 20:1). Unfortunately the community continues to have many who are “not wise.”

3. TRIENNIAL LICENSING POLLS. The stalwarts of the past have won the recognition of the right of the electors of the Dominion to decide by secret ballot whether Liquor Trade including Trust Control is to continue or not. 1 his opportunity to vote on the licensing issue is a valuable and salutary check upon the activities of the Trade, and should not he surrendered. IMans of campaign for a substantial prohibition vote should he immediately prepared and constantly revised. 4. PROHIBITION. l ; or Prohibition to he •carried and to be a success in practice, there needs to be an educated temperance sentiment in every electorate, strong public opinion to back tip its enforcement. Special thought should be given to the provision of adequate facilities to ensure compliance with the law. Where necessary extra accommodation should he especially for those who formerly used public bars, so that refreshments may be readily obtained, and places available in which men could meet for discussion and fellowship. The time has come for a re-study of the whole question of IVohibition, or, as some prefer to say,

the Abolition of the Liquor Traffic, in the light of present day opinion in scientific and theological circles. The cate in favour of Prohibition should be clearly stated, and the arguments against Prohibition should be refuted.

METHODS OF CONTROL. It is generally recognised that there are many people who are deeply concerned that something must he done to minimise the ravages of strong drink, but who are doubtful whether Prohibition is the best remedy and whether it will not lead to the formation of gangs of determined law breakers. Most of these perturbed citizens will readily join with prohibitionists and temperance workers in seeking to bring about various reforms.

5. LICENSING COMMITTEES. I ncreased powers have been given to Licensing Committees, and all temperance advocates should make themselves conversant with the provisions of the Acts. The members of the Committees should insist on full particulars of the conduct of hotels being supplied by police and others, and on drastic action being taken where the facts so warrant. Disregard of the law is apparently wide-spread, and should not he permitted to continue, especially the open defiance of the hours of closing. The Police have an unpleasant and often unpopular task in securing a strict enforcement of the law, and public opinion should be organised for the assistance of the Police and the protection of drinkers against themselves and those who would exploit their weakness.

A live interest should be taken in the proceedings oi Licensing Committees and every endeavour should be made to get men of the right type to stand for election.

6. COMMISSION ON LICENSING. The Commission has been given extensive powers, and is taking its duties very seriously. There is ample evidence of an intention to ensure that adequate, modern accommodation is provided for the travelling public, that liquor is consumed under proper, hygienic conditions, that the reasonable requirements of the public are met, and that the demand for alcoholic beverages is not .unduly stimulated. The Commission has adopted the commendable practice of defining and expressing publicly its policy There is an apparent willingness to make modifications of policy as further experience indicates it is desirable. It is probably possible for there to be a closer link between the Church Temperance Committees and the Commission than has existed up to the present. The Commission does not hesitate to ask tlu- \.Z. Alliance for information and suggestion. History mav show that the Commission has been the means for raising the standard of hotels and bars, and that injury to the community has been reduced. Endeavours should be made to secure fullest co-operation.

7. REPRESENTATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT AND PARLIAMENT. The Temperance forces should maintain close contact with the Government and Parliament. The Church 'I etn-

perance Committees should keep in touch with members of the (iovernment and of all parties in the House (in addition to the very useful liaison through the N.Z. Alliance), so that both (io\eminent and Parliament may he kept fully informed of the convictions and feelings throughout the Church in regard to Liquor and its Control, and (b) the Temperance Committees may be fully aware of what is going on among Cabinet Ministers and the legislators, what influences are being exerted upon them for the introduction of amending Bills, and what draft legislation is under consideration.

The Church Temperance Committees should be most vigilant when Bills arc referred to Select Committees of the House. The Central Superintendent of the N.Z. Alliance has usually good sources of information and gives timely warning to all temperance bodies whenever evidence or protests are called for*

AMENDMENTS DESIRED BY TEMPERANCE BODIES: The N.Z. Alliance and the Temperance Committees should continue the practice of. thinking through to clear-cut conceptions of the amendments to the Licensing Acts desired in the interest of Temperance reform. The I einperance forces should strive to act with unanimity, and there should he the fullest exchange of information and ideas. The representations made to the Koval (onttnission on Licensing by the various Churches and the N.Z. Alliance, and also the Royal Commission s Report should he carefully examined and a list made of suggested amendments which might again be brought under the notice of* the (iovernment or the Commission on Licensing. The prov ision for an adequate ballot paper, and the restoration of local option are among the matters which call for urgent attention.