THE DRINK QUESTION.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 18, 20 July 1895, Page 2

THE DRINK QUESTION.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE BTAII. fciß, —l have just seen your issue of the Oth instant, and note a letter on above subject. You erred in not. putting my name at the end of ray last which I gave, for I never write incoa, and besides it looks as if I was rather ashamed of my standing as a Prohibitionist, whereas, on the contrary, I am rather proud of it. I cannot follow the writer as I think he departs from the question at issue. It it hardly reasonable to assume, as he does, that if the worker will forego his beer the capitalist will take advantage and reduce his salary. My experience is quite the opposite, as an employer is more likely to add to his pay, being a steaiy man and can be depended on. Then he goes on to say a revenue must be raised. Quite so. But where does the revenue come from ? From the pockets of the people, of course. The position then is this, at present the people spend in New Zealand over £2,000,000 in strong drink. Of this amount £500,000 goes to the Government for revenue, and this amount is raised entirely by the drinkers. Now, suppose we had Prohibition this £500,000 would, wo will suppose, be required (although I do not think so), and suppose, also, that the drinkers still contributed the amount (which of course they will not) they would still have £1,500,000 left in their pockets to spend in providing and adding to the comforts of their families, and themselves, and in doing so they would be buying dutiable goods which would mske up the apparent loss of revenue, Here then is a chance for our colouy. Abstain from strong drink, and we will have additional spending power of reproductive money which is worse than wasted at present. It will be surprising to many of your readers to know that Ireland spends more money in strong drink than the profits of all her private and public concerns, including railways and canals. How could such a country be prosperous living on the principle and drinking the interest ? I am, etc , James Reid, Prohibitionist. Feilding, July 19th, 1895,