Correspondence.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 131, 2 December 1896, Page 2

Correspondence.

MR ROOTS' ADDRESS ON PROHIBITION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — Last Monday evening Mr J. B. Roots delivered an address on the evils of Prohibition at the Stanway schoolroom to a crowded and enthusiastic audience. Mr Roots spoke in a rapid, forcible, and eloquent manner ; so engrossing was the method, so convincing the argument, that although all the floor space was occupied by persons standing he was requested to continue bis address, after speaking nearly two hours. Mr Roots scattered to the winds the flimsy theories and the moral veneering of Prohibitionists. The lecture was divided into three parts — the religious aspect, the political, and the moral ; and each section was trenchant with home truths, laying bare fallacies, and fearless in maintaining the integrity of Divine government and the moral and political independence of the British race. There is in my mind but one regret, and that is that the speech cannot be delivered throughout the colony to arouse the indignation of the people against the | rile heresy of Prohibition. There is j not in this colony a sane man or intelligent woinaD but whose entire sympathies are in favor of temperance. Not a single argument has been adduced to show that Prohibition is warranted. i Every stock argument has been the old teetotal argument, only much exaggerated ; and I challenge anyone to show a single valid reason for its introduction into this colony — the soberest in the universe of English • speaking people. Messrs Isitt, Cocker, and others, are very fond of quoting the opinions of eminent men in England on the horrors of drink, but the names of these eminent persons should not be bracketed with prohibition. It is entirely nnfair. They express themselves against intemperance, but never a word on Prohibition. The unchristian and despicable conduct of certain men who are influencing votes fur the coming election is a grave matter, the tactics are unworthy those who live by the gifts of the people, and must in the end fill every honest heart with contempt. I could fill yoor pages with extracts in illustration, but I know your space will not permit on the eve of an election. Let me earnestly entreat my fellow voters not to be led away on the date of the poll by intemperate Prohibition advice. It is a matter of serious importance to the British race to retain and ever bold fast to the religious, political, and social liberties which make us great among the nations. This precious inheritance should be kept intact without hesitation, in spite of a passing popular madness named Prohibition, which does not mean virtue or temperance, but slavery, smuggling, lying, hypocrisy, child against parent, wife against husband, spys, detectives, increased administration, lessened revenue, want of charity and kindliness, and loss of true m&oliness and womanliness. — I am, &c, H. C. Wilson.