AN INVITATION.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 70, 17 September 1894, Page 2

AN INVITATION.

TO THB EDITOR OF THE STAR. Sm, — It is said, and not without reason, that the Temperance bodies do no real work. The reproach is only too keenly felt by their most active members. Their efforts just now ere almost solely devoted to getting Prohibition. I say they already have it, and will not use it. It is not wanted for you or I, Mr Editor ; but " the man in the street " can name a dozen to whom it would be a perfect Godsend and for whom it is really intended. Who, if not the Temperance Societies, are to take up the duties of procuring Prohibition orders against men who are, often all too unwillingly, committing slow suicide with drink and sending their wives and families to the dogs ? These societies Bhould be a terror to drunkards of all grades even in their incipient stage, and a hope and a comfort to their wives. They are neither the one nor the other. If there is no one among them with backbone enough to do this work let them employ a salaried Inspector as do the societies for prevention vi cruelty. I do not see indeed why that officer's functions should not extend to brutality of this kind also. The duties of a person with tact and discretion would be light, but productive of incalculable good. He would interview " victims " and ask them to apply on their own behalf, in which case no evidence need be called. Failing compliance within seven days he should procure two witnesses and make the application in spite of every protest. They ask me why police officers or wives do not apply. Like a Scotchman I in turn ask why people drink, why we are apathetic, and why wives prefer the love, such as it is, of even a drunken husband ? A cry in raised that Prohibition does not prohibit Look at recent cases here and say whether husbands, wives, and families do not already show the effect of the healthier liring. The answer is complete. It is to be regretted that uadue publicity is sought in these cases, as otherwise many a victim would voluntarily subject himself to the law. Is there no Church, no Temperance body, no Minister of religion, no philanthropist among so many to take up so plain a duty ? In the name of our Christianity and of humanity do not let the answer be, 11 No, not one." I am, etc., S.