OPIUM TRAFFIC.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1734, 26 April 1913, Page 2

OPIUM TRAFFIC.

"A DEMORALISING DRUG."

N.Z. ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL MEET-

Ihe annual meeting of tho New Zealand Anti-Opium Association was held last evening, tho llov. \V. Shircr presiding over an attendance of some 40 members. The annual report expressed thankfulness that for the first time for over 100 years tho Indo-Chineso opium trade has ceased, But regret was expressed that the Indian Government has only given notice to suspend sales—not to end them —and tho merchants are only refraining from purchases because tliey are already overloaded with unsaleable goods There is, said the report, no sign of repentance in our nation except among the few who compose the anti-opium societies. What tho British Government would not do in response to tho pathetic appeals of China and anti-opiu;u societies in Great Britain, she is now doing in response to tho appeals of tho merchants and banks, who have lent largo sums of money on tho present stock, which they are unable to sell in China. After outlining at great length what has been done in the opium traffic of late and the appeals of China to bo released fro n the traffic, the report eai'l: "Notwithstanding tho pathetic appeals and China's heroic and strenuous efforts to free hor people from the curse, for tho greed of money wo are still doing all possible to prosecuto the trado in China. All tho recent'news received direct from China testified to tho sincerity of her rulers, and showed how dead in earnest, they are in their efforts to get rid of tho blighting opium curse, which, sad to say, wo have not yet released them from obligations to admit into their' country." Tho financial statement showed receipts totalling .£sß' 55., and an. expenditure of ,£SG 125., leaving a balance at tho end of February last of J2l 13s. / In moving tho adoption of the report, the chairman remarked that as a Christian nation Great Britain's attitude'is ono which causes deep sorrow and heartfelt shame. In the interests of the highest civilisation and Christianity this traffio iu opium must, ho added, cease. The Hov. W. Hinton seconded the motion, which was agreed to.

Officers for the ensuing year were elected as under President, Mr. J. G. W. Aitken; vice-presidents, Revs. A. T. Brainsby, Jas. Gibb, D.D.. W. Hinton, Commissioner Richards, 8.A., Hon. Geo. Fowlds, and Mr. A. Hoby; committee, Messrs. D. M'Clay, J. Jfurrell, J. Pattereon, Harry Roberts, Jaa. Rumgay, .and T. Hood; hon. sec. and treasurer, Capt. H. S. Blackburne.

The following motion, proposed by tlio Rqv. W. S. Potter, was carried: "That this mooting of loyal and loving members of the Great British Empire would add one more voice to the many others in the Empire in lovingly beseeching our Rulers to respond to tho pathetio appeal of Dr. Sun Yat Sen and many others of the Chinese nation, and free China from the strange and iniquitous treaty which compels her to admit into her country the demoralising drug which for so many years has been debasing and poisoning her people. If wo heed not God's warnings Ho must bring upon us some terrible retribution." '

The moeting also passed the following: resolution, which was ordered to- bo sent to tho president .of the Council of tlio Chinese Republic: "That this meeting of British Christians of New Zealand desire to express deep sorrow for tho shamo that attaches to our nation in sending to your country for so many years tho demoralising opium. Wo very heartily congratulate your Excellency, General Yuan Shih Kai, and the. honourable members of your council on tho marvellous success with - which you have grappled with tho poppy cultivation, opium dens, and opium smoking in your own country during tlio last year, and wo aro praying to God that our Rulers miiy speedily repent and frco China" from further obligation to admit tho Indian opium."