WHAT PROHIBITION MEANS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 308, 17 September 1918, Page 7

WHAT PROHIBITION MEANS

THE LAW EXPLAINED. At a meeting o>f £he Central Executive of the New Zealand Moderate League held last evening it was pointed out that many peoplo were rot aware of the real moaning of national prohibition. The president, Mr. D. M. Fiiidlay, said that any misunder-. standing .(hat existed could be removed by reference to the existing law as contained ill section 21 of the Licensing Amendment Act, 1910, which read as follows: — . . . 21. (1) At all times while no licenses exist in New Zealand by virtue of.any determination in fa-, vour of national prohibition, and while that determination remains in force, it shall be unlawful tfor any person to . import into New Zealand, or to ipanufacture, sell, or have in his possession for the purposes of sale, intoxicating liquor • of any. description. He proceeded to point out that under national no persons could procure alcoholic . liquors for use in their 'own homes, or the entertainment of friends. The words "or to manufacture" in scctiop 21 also clearly made it illegal for a housewife to make any home-made wines, cider, or other fermented drinks. "There can be no doubt on this point," said Mr. Findlav. "The people must realise that national prohibition does not merely mean closing the publichouses. It is a direct infringement of personal liberty, and personal choice. If national prohibition, becomes law it will enter the homes of the people, and it will be made impos-. siblc for the citizens of New Zealand to have alcoholic beverages of any kind in their possession for social purposes in tlieir own homes, in their clubs, or at any social gatherings. I cannot believe that 'the freedom-loving people c'r this Dominion will deliberately impose upon themselves such a tyrannous and inquisitorial system. From ivhat has .been stated it appears that many people arc under the impression the present so-called "efficiency campaign'' aims merely at closing the publichouses. That impression is entirely wrong. The "efficiency campaign" aims at total national prohibition, which, if carried inito effect, will create the conditions already indicated. The right .'■Knrse for those who are dissatisfied with the present conduct of the Trade is to support the Moderate League in its determination to secure national ovnersliip. The present favourable Conditions should be seized by all those wlio believe tlmt the* wnv to practical temporaiiee lies in proper regulation and control."—By Arrangement.