THE SO-CALLED MODERATE LEAGUE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3155, 6 August 1917, Page 7

THE SO-CALLED MODERATE LEAGUE

Sir,—ln your issue of August 3 you give particulars regarding the deputation to the Primo Minister representing the socalled New Zealand Moderate League. I road' with some amusement the remarks of Mr. D. M. Fiudlay when placing before the Prime Minister the resolution adopted at the league's conference. Surely it must appeal to any rational man as being rather, significant that tho Moderate League should ho about the first body to take strong exceptions to the recommendations of the Efficiency Board on tho liquor Question. One could have excused the Trade having .something to say in tho matter, but that a body of men who ostensibly represent the moderates in New Zealand should be the first to voice the fact that thoy were not going to sacrifice their very moderate and occasional drink in the interests of New Zealand's efficiency induces one to wonder wherein lies their moderation, Even the Trade suggested closing the' hotels at 9 p.m. But the Moderate League suggest closing the Hotels during The hours when least business is done at tho bars Mr. D. M. Findlay talks of the "great Moderate Party." To whom.'does he refer? If these moderates aro really so \ery moderate, and so little interested in the liquor trade,' surely it is only to suppose that they would have no hesitation in supporting what Mr. D. M. Findlay admits to being "a recommendation made in all sincerity," by men of unquestionable ability. In my opinion tho Efficiency Board have proved conclusively that they are not only men with a very clear perception of wuat is best for New Zealand as a whole during the present crisis, 'but that they aro _ men (yery scarce nowadays) who, having once formed honest convictions upon any matter bearing directly on the country's welfare, they do not hesitate to make public their opinions. •' No praise is too high for the courageous manner in which the Efficiency Board has tackled their very thankless task, 'and to all right-minded people it sec-ms rather unfortunate that the New Zealand Moderate League should have been one oT the first to criticise .the'recommendations of tho board, recommendations which, ■ if< carried into effect, would do so much' towards efficiency throughout New Zealand.—l am, etc., MODERATE.