THE KING'S PLEDGE.

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2709, 2 March 1916, Page 7

THE KING'S PLEDGE.

Sir,—From your report of tlio Methodist Conference it would appear that tho clergymen of that connection are not up-to-date in tlieir laiowledgo of. the King's present daily use of a stimulant. The' conference enjoined all its members and called upon outsiders to "follow tho King" antl ho total abstainers dm' ing'the war. The Methodist ministers would compel everybody to be total abstainers by forcing prohibition upon the wholo of the people. But tho fact is that the King was seriously losing in weight, and Sir Frederick Treves, the famous physician, lias ordered our Gracious Majesty to_ "tako a little stimulant daily during his convalescence." Of course, when he has recovered his lost weight, His Majesty will resume that total abstinence which sie imposed upon himself for _ public reasons. If the Mothodist ministers were to have their way and prohibition was in operation in New Zealand, anyone "seriously losing in weight" would be unable to obtain "a little 6timulant daily." Although Sir Frederick Treves is a strong anti-alcoliolic doctor, yet lie knows the value ; of a little stimulant when his Royal patient was "seriously losing 111 weight." We shudder to think, what would happen if the King had stuck to his resolve. However, when a glass of beer or a little whisky and soda- taken daily is likely to restore him to health and strength the humblest of his subjects, and especially our soldiers, may be pillowed to maintain their healths and spirits unhampered by Methodists in these trying times. The lung's example now is: If you are losing weight (and who does not in these sweltering days?) just take a little stimulant until you come baok to normal. Total abstinence the King has found to be a dangerous proceeding, Especially since his accident and it is just as well that your readers should know that for the present total ab-' stinence is not the King's habit. Methodists do not understand perhaps that tho King's pledge is suspended. To follow the King's example now is to take some alcoholic liquors daily to recover lost weight, and help get him baok to good health.—l am, etb., PLAIN SCOTCH.