The Bishop of Salisbury on Prohibition.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 292, 14 June 1895, Page 2

The Bishop of Salisbury on Prohibition.

In the April number of the Diocesan Gazette the Bishop of Salisbury writes at great length upon his tour in New Zealand. He says that legislation in the direction of prohibition of the liquor traffic is also much in the air. A scheme of " local option," permitting the total closing of public houses or the reduction of their number, without compensation, has been carried, and is adopted in some districts. I cannot venture to pronounce on its results, but I hear reports that it is not very effective so far. It is difficult quite to account for the strength of the Prohibitionist party. There is little visible evidence of drinking, much Jess of drunkenness. On steamers and at meals in hotels very little liquor is drunk. Wine is sold at a prohibitive price, and spirits are also dear. Beer and cider are fairly cheap. lam inclined to think that in a small community like this the misery caused by drunkenness is more apparent, and the value of the lives wasted by it is more appreciated than amongst ourselves. It attacks men who would otherwise be good and useful citizens, and sometimes even disfigures the career of wellknown public men. This is felt as a slur and disgrace by the whole body, and many of these who have little positive sympathy with the exaggerated views of some of the Prohibition* ists are willing to suffer personal inconvenience in order to remove the temptation. Thus, generally no liquor is allowed upon a sheep station, or to shearers ; and very little is consumed in private houses. It is possible that public opinion against the use of liquor will gradually grow so strong in New Zealand that a general prohibition of its sale will be accepted as only a slight hardship. If I were aiming myself at legislation I should direct it against the selling of liquor at bars, and towards the compulsory treatment of habitual drunkards, and not attempt anything further at present, leaving the habits of the people to develope the rest of a reasonable custom. I should also, I think, take off the duties on Australian wines, which are cheap and good in their own country, but are sold at twice or three times their value in this colony, if sold at all. — Dunedin Star's correspondent.