"THE MODERATES"

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2193, 4 July 1914, Page 6

"THE MODERATES"

■ : : ■ AND THE, LIQUOR ISSUE. : : Some'well-known citizens- who have some feelings in matters which are likely to.bo affected-by-'the opposing hosts of Liquor and Anti-Liquor have resolved that the time has arrived Tvhcn-Hhey' -Should take a hand an the 'strangle. These,' for want of a. better. Dame, aro called tho "Moderates," and they claim to represent a far larger section than either of-the two factions named.' The "Moderates" held a meeting on Thursday evening, which is said to have been largely attended, and after a talk over matters it was decided that a deputation should wait upon tho Prime Minister at 10.30 a.m. on' Monday. 'Iho Hon. A. L. Herdman will introduce the "Moderates" to Mr. Massey. ■When interviewed subsequent to the meeting, Mr. A. A. S. Menteatli (who had presided) said:—"lt is needless for me. to deal in detail with our views on the Licensing question, as these will be made fully public in o.' few. clays. Uis sufficient to say that wo stand apart from both.tho Prohibitionist view and that of tho Trade. Wo do not.at all agree with,tho former, and on the other hand it is'our opinion' that'the system under which the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages is at present conducted is opon : to' considerable ivn•provement. For various reasons, which will be.mado known at tho deputation, it is felt that tho imposition of National Prohibition would be fraught "--with disastrous consequences to tlio whole community, and, judging by tlio tone of last evening's meeting, the moderate, section are awakening to their responsibility, in this matter, and will probably make amends for pasfjnaction by taking a vigorous stand against legislative interference with legitimate personal freedom. It is certain that suggestions for "future'legislation 'on this matter should no longer bo left to the two extremes —one influenced by apparent prejudico and tho other by personal advantage. A calm judgment should be brought to boar on tho, subject, in the interests of tho whole community.'*.