LIQUOR CONTROL

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 128, 3 June 1919, Page 2

LIQUOR CONTROL

TO THB KDITOR. Sir, —In'considering the legislation of the'past, in relation to the regulation of the liquor traffic, one is struck by tho fact that no comprehensive scheme has ever been introduced to ameliorate the admitted evils of the present system. But before any scheme can bo discussed, it must be conceded that both the Prohibitionist and tho Liquor Parties are extremists. Recognise this, then turn to the pages of history and inquire whether any extremist' action was ever productive of social or national good to the slightest degree of permanency. There is but ope answer. The political, social, and national seas for hundreds of years, are strewn with disastrous wrecks which would have, in all probability,, been avoided by a broader viewpoint; and if any question ever demanded clearness of thought, a. wide outlook, a comprehensive study, and drastic reformative treatment, it is the liquor question of to-day. As there is apparently no prospect of the opposing factions coming togethei to rationally discuss a way out, and to agree to a compromise, the only alternative is for the State to intervene and legislate in such a manner as will satisfy, not the extremists of either party, but the views of the great majority of reasonable people. But what form of legislation will satisfy the majority, and at the same time prove effectual? Is it possible? As to its possibilities and prospects, I leave others to judge. Here I desire merely to sketch very briefly a ■system which will overcome the objections raised against both National Continuance and National Prohibition. A special department would be established to receive up to a specified date, applications from persons over the age of, say, 21, who desired to be issued with ratio"n cards. Two cards would be issued to each person: (1) For liquor to be consumed on the premises, entitling the holder to procure a' very limited amount of beer or light wines per day. (2) For liquor to be consumed off the premises, entitling the holder to procure a very limited amount of liquor pel- week. Both i cards to be registered at the licensed premises where it is intended to purchase, and will not be available at any othei-_ premises. It is both impossible, and, at present, ■undesirable, to discuss in detail the simple safeguards to the successful operation of such a scheme. Suffice it to say, however, $iat full provision is made to prevent the abuse of the system itself,. and to remedy permanently all the abuses of the liquor traffic. _ Applied to most of the necessaries of life,^ the ration system, has pr-oved its efficiency beyond question, and ther© is no reason in the world why it should not prove equally efficient in the control of tlie liquor traffic, particularly in a small country like New Zealand, and abolish for ail time the evils of. a trade which bar the way to national progress o-nd prosperity.—l am, etc., W. H. POWELL.'