DO YOU DRINK?

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 883, 1 August 1910, Page 9

DO YOU DRINK?

ANOTHER QUESTION FOR CENSUS TAPER.' A deputation representing the temperance bodies waited on the Australian Minister for Home Affairs (Mr. King O'Malley) recently, and asked that provision bo made in tho census paper for a question which would ascertain what proportion of tho adult population partook of alcoholic beverages. • The members of the deputation contended that the average man would speak the truth on this question. It was impossible from present statistics to know what proportion of the population drank alcoholic liquors. The averago consumption,, at present was only estimable on figures comprising non-drinkers and children. .These were misleading, and could only be rectified by a specific question. Mr. Knibbs, the Federal Statistician, who was present, said there were many practical difficulties in the way. Tho census paper was already heavily laden. If the question were included ho suggested that it.be' in the form: "Do you habitually use alcoholio liquors as a beverage; yes or no." Mr. King O'Malley, in reply, said it did seem anomalous that he who had not had a drink in twenty years in Australia should be put down on tho average with others who did drink. Ho regarded the custom of drinking as a hidden rock in the-stream that hindered or stopped tho ship of progress. Temperance was becoming so popular that it carried with it a certificate of energy, carefulness, and capability to boar a responsibility, so that almost tho greatest "boozer" would on occasion say he was a temperance man. The question that had occurred to him was. whether a truthful answer would be given to the question. The matter wotdd receivo most careful consideration, and if it were thought that anything like accurate figures could be obtained the deputation would.know very shortly if it would bo done.