THE OPIUM TRAFFIC.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1733, 25 April 1913, Page 4

THE OPIUM TRAFFIC.

The New Zealand Anti-Opiurii Association, which holds its annual meeting in the Vivian Street Baptist School Hall this evening, deserves the support of all who would Hike to see the prompt removal of an ugly feature in Britain's 'commercial relations with China. There is a growing feeling throughout the Empire that our share in the Chineso opium traffic must now cease, The trade has been forced on China under treaties to which we have compelled that countl'y to agree by means of war, and the traffic has continued in spite of the earnest desire of the Chinese authorities to stamp out the evil. It is of course true that the Indian Government has profited considerably by the export of the drug, but, that it is morally indefensible, no fair-minded man can deny. There is no doubt that the use of > opium is doing incalculable harm to the people, yet,' like the "Merchant of '-Venicc" (to quote the words of a member of the British Parliament) "China under duress has signed a bond, not to give a pound of flesh, but to admit for a while longer that which is ruinous to her people. Like Shylock, Great Britain might hold her to the letter of the bond. China asks to be released. Shall she ask any lionger in vain?" Thore can surely be only one answer to this question. The IS'ew Zealand Association if it stood alone might not be able' to accomplish much, but its protests, when combined with similar action by other Societies in various parts of the Empire, linrhtly set aside. In any case the Association evidently is determined to do its duty in the matter, and to keep on protesting until .this national djsgrace is wiped out. It is entitled to public sympathy and support in its campaign, and we hope it will soon be able to report that its generous work has been accomplished. Dn. Sun Yat Sen has appealed to the British people for nelp "to stop this sinful traffic now at the beginning of our new national life." It is hard to beMeve that such an appeal to Britain's senso of justice and of the fitness of things will be in vain.